Cigna agreed to a settlement valued at about $5.71 million over LocalPlus balance-bill claims. The January 5, 2026 claim deadline has passed, and the official site now posts a final judgment.
What Was the Cigna LocalPlus Settlement About?
The lawsuit alleged that Cigna incorrectly configured certain LocalPlus plan benefits, causing some out-of-network providers to appear as in-network on members' Explanations of Benefits. Some members then allegedly received unexpected balance bills from those providers. Cigna denied wrongdoing.Who Qualified?
The settlement covered people enrolled in LocalPlus plans administered by Cigna who received treatment and an Explanation of Benefits showing the provider as in-network when the provider was actually out-of-network because of a benefits-system configuration error. A qualifying member also had to receive a related balance bill from the provider.What Benefits Were Available?
The approximately $5,712,152 constructive common fund included about $4.64 million in non-cash relief and a $300,000 fund for approved balance-bill claims. If approved claims totaled no more than $300,000, claimants could receive up to the documented balance-bill amount and certain related charges. If approved claims exceeded the fund, payments would be reduced proportionally.What Proof Was Required?
The Claim Form required identifying information from the personalized notice, including claim-related identifiers, plus a copy of the qualifying balance bill. Claimants also had to provide proof that the bill was paid or sign an affirmation addressing how the settlement payment would be applied to the balance bill and related charges.Current Court and Payment Status
The official website's Important Documents page includes a Final Judgment and Order following the March 24, 2026 final approval hearing. The claim window remains closed. The official site does not provide a firm distribution date, so approved claimants should rely on administrator notices for payment updates.Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cigna LocalPlus settlement still open to claims?
No. The deadline to submit a claim was January 5, 2026.
Who qualified for the Cigna LocalPlus settlement?
The settlement covered certain LocalPlus plan members whose Explanation of Benefits identified a provider as in-network when the provider was actually out-of-network because of a Cigna system configuration error, resulting in a balance bill.
What benefits were available?
The settlement created a constructive common fund valued at about $5.71 million, including a $300,000 cash fund for approved balance-bill claims and non-cash protections against certain claim reprocessing.
Was proof required for a Cigna LocalPlus claim?
Yes. The form required identifying claim information, a qualifying balance bill, and either proof of payment or a signed affirmation concerning use of the settlement payment.
Did the Cigna LocalPlus settlement receive final approval?
Yes. The official settlement website's Important Documents section includes a Final Judgment and Order following the March 24, 2026 final approval hearing.
Official Settlement Notice
Sources
• Official Cigna LocalPlus Settlement Website• Final Judgment and Order, Andrew Hecht and Andrea Hecht v. Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company
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