UHC Class Action Filing Deadline of 10/5/10 Approaching

If you are eligible to receive monies from the United Healthcare (UHC) Class Action Settlement Fund, you need to file your claim by October 5, 2010.  As reported in the June 2010 issue of the Communicator, this nationwide settlement agreement resolves litigation regarding UHC’s reimbursement of out-of-network services filed on behalf of the American Medical Association, health plan members (including PEF-represented state employees enrolled in the Empire Plan), health care providers, and state medical societies. 

Please Note:  A recent electronic alert has been circulated which contains inaccurate information about who may be eligible for monetary payments under the UHC class action settlement.

If you were or are enrolled in the Empire Plan and received covered out-of-network healthcare benefits at any time from March 15, 1994 through November 18, 2009 that were processed by UHC and reimbursed using UHC’s Reasonable and Customary (R&C) Charges, then you are a member of the Settlement Class and may be eligible for a payment if you qualify and submit a valid claim form.

Not all Empire Plan enrollees are eligible for a payment.

In May 2010, Empire Plan enrollees who received out-of-network healthcare benefits through UHC between March 15, 1994 and November 18, 2009 were sent a notice in the mail describing the enrollee's rights under this class action settlement and how they could qualify for the cash payments.

All questions regarding the settlement should be directed to Berdon Claims Administration LLC, which is responsible for administering the settlement; PEF cannot provide guidance to members.  Enrollees may download the settlement notice and instructions for submitting a claim by visiting the Berdon website at www.berdonclaims.com; a list of frequently asked questions is posted on their website.  Enrollees may also call Berdon for assistance at 1-800-443-1073.