You already know that many state laws ban the “abuse of discretion” standard of review in denials of ERISA-governed long term disability benefits.
But self-funded ERISA plans may still apply the discretionary standard of review.
And “incorporating by reference” the Summary Plan Description (SPD) is effective in making the SPD part of the ERISA plan.…
You already know that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which prohibited recognition of same-sex marriages, was declared unconstitutional. United States v. Windsor, 133 S.Ct. 2675 (2013)
In states recognizing same-sex marriages, ERISA benefits, like life and disability benefits provided through insurance contracts, will most likely be viewed as covering a same-sex spouse.
But…
