UnitedHealthcare lipedema liposuction class action settlement

UnitedHealthcare agreed to a class action lawsuit settlement to resolve claims that it wrongfully denied liposuction claims for lipedema treatment.

The settlement benefits consumers covered under self-funded or fully insured Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) health plans administered by UnitedHealthcare whose claims for specialized liposuction for lipedema were denied as unproven between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2019.

The settlement also benefits a damages subclass of patients who paid for liposuction themselves after it was deemed “unproven” for lipedema treatment.

The plaintiff in the class action lawsuit claimed UnitedHealthcare wrongfully denied their claims for liposuction as a treatment for lipedema — a buildup of fat in the lower body. According to the plaintiffs, United claimed this treatment was “unproven” and used this to justify mass claim denials.

UnitedHealthcare is a health insurance plan provider.

UnitedHealthcare hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to pay an undisclosed sum as part of a settlement to resolve the liposuction class action lawsuit.

Under the terms of the settlement, class members can receive compensation for unpaid liposuction surgery if they have already paid for the treatment out of pocket. Class members who haven’t undergone the surgery due to a denied claim can request that their claims be reconsidered under the terms of the settlement.

The deadline for exclusion and objection was Oct. 20, 2023.

The final approval hearing for the settlement was held Nov. 30, 2023.

To receive a settlement payment, class members must submit a valid claim form by May 20, 2024.

Who’s Eligible

Consumers covered under self-funded or fully insured ERISA health plans administered by United Healthcare whose claims for specialized liposuction for lipedema were denied as unproven between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2019.

Damages subclass: patients who paid for liposuction themselves after it was deemed “unproven” for lipedema treatment.

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

A bill from the health care provider and/or medical facility that includes the date and description of the service provided and one of the following:

• Canceled checks corresponding to the liposuction surgery bill
• Receipts from the class member’s health care provider and/or medical facility
• Credit card receipts reflecting payment to the health care provider and/or medical facility

Other documentation may be required with claims for reconsideration.

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

05/20/2024

Case Name

Caldwell v. United HealthCare Services Inc., et al., Case No. 3:19-cv-02861-WHA, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Final Hearing

11/30/2023

Settlement Website

UnitedLipedemaSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

United Lipedema Settlement
c/o JND Legal Administration
PO Box 91232
Seattle, WA 98111
866-848-0924

Class Counsel

Robert S Gianelli
GIANELLI & MORRIS

Defense Counsel

Michael M Maddigan
HOGAN LOVELLS US LLP