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Access over workers' compensation decisions, including En Banc, Significant Panel Decisions, and writ-denied cases.

Case No. 15-24-00114-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Oct 04, 2024

Cecile Erwin Young, in Her Official Capacity as the Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission; Molina Healthcare of Texas, Inc.; And Aetna Better Health of Texas, Inc. v. Cook Children's Health Plan, Texas Children's Health Plan, Superior Health Plan, Inc., and Wellpoint Insurance Company

This case involves an appeal concerning a temporary injunction and the denial of a plea to the jurisdiction issued by the 353rd Judicial District of Travis County. The appellants, including Cecile Erwin Young (Executive Commissioner of HHSC), Molina Healthcare of Texas, Inc., and Aetna Better Health of Texas, Inc., are challenging the lower court's decision. The appellees (Cook Children's Health Plan, Texas Children's Health Plan, Superior Health Plan, Inc., and Wellpoint Insurance Company) had sought to enjoin the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) from proceeding with STAR & CHIP and STAR Kids managed care procurements. The core legal arguments revolve around whether HHSC's procurement processes violated Texas law, thereby rendering the intended contract awards unlawful ultra vires acts, and whether the appellees' claims are barred by sovereign immunity or failure to exhaust administrative remedies. The appellants contend that the district court abused its discretion by granting the injunction and denying the plea.

Appellate CourtTemporary InjunctionPlea to the JurisdictionSovereign ImmunityUltra Vires ClaimsProcurement DisputeManaged Care ContractsMedicaidCHIPTexas Health and Human Services Commission
References
95
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Government Employees Insurance v. Uptown Health Care Management, Inc.

Plaintiffs GEICO allege a scheme where defendants, including Uptown Health Care Management d/b/a East Tremont, Hisham Elzanaty, Alan Goldenberg, Dr. Hisham Ahmed, and Dr. Jadwiga Pawlowski, fraudulently billed GEICO for millions in services. GEICO contends East Tremont was ineligible for reimbursement under New York's no-fault insurance laws, operating without a legitimate medical director, violating its operating certificate, and paying kickbacks for referrals. The complaint raises six causes of action, including declaratory judgment, RICO violations (18 U.S.C. §§ 1962(c), 1962(d)), common law fraud, aiding and abetting fraud, and unjust enrichment. Defendants moved to dismiss under Rule 12(b)(1) for Burford abstention and Rule 12(b)(6) for failure to state a claim, arguing GEICO's claims would invalidate a DOH license and interfere with state oversight. Citing the similar Allstate Ins. v. Elzanaty action, the court denied defendants' motions, affirming that insurers can challenge fraudulent licensing and conduct under RICO and fraud claims, even if state authorities have approved the facility. The court concluded that such claims do not disrupt New York's regulatory scheme and need not be raised exclusively with the DOH or through an Article 78 proceeding.

Insurance FraudNo-Fault InsuranceRICO ActMedical LicensingHealthcare FraudAbstention DoctrineRule 12(b)(1) MotionRule 12(b)(6) MotionArticle 28 FacilitiesKickbacks
References
21
Case No. W2008-01771-COA-R3-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Jan 26, 2011

Shelby County Health Care Corporation, d/b/a Regional Medical Center v. John Baumgartner, Elizabeth Baumgartner, a/k/a Daray Baumgartner, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, and Hartford Accident and Indemnity

This appeal concerns the impairment of a hospital lien by Shelby County Health Care Corporation (The MED) against John Baumgartner and his insurance providers, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Hartford Accident and Indemnity. Mr. Baumgartner received extensive medical treatment at The MED following an automobile accident, incurring over $500,000 in expenses, for which The MED filed a hospital lien. Subsequently, Nationwide and Hartford settled with the Baumgartners, paying out policy limits of $25,000 and $100,000 respectively, without remitting any funds to The MED. The trial court initially granted partial summary judgment, finding impairment of the lien and awarding damages. On appeal, the Court of Appeals affirmed the finding of lien impairment but reversed the damage awards, concluding that The MED's recovery is limited to one-third of the amounts the insurers paid to the Baumgartners, and remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with this interpretation.

Hospital Lien ActInsurance LawAutomobile AccidentSubrogationMade-Whole DoctrineStatutory InterpretationDamages for ImpairmentConstructive NoticeMedical ExpensesSettlement Agreements
References
33
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Mar 03, 2008

Texas Mutual Insurance Co. v. Sara Care Child Care Center, Inc.

Texas Mutual Insurance Company appealed two summary judgment orders and a final judgment in favor of its insured, Sara Care Child Care Center, Inc., and employee Martha Martinez. The core issue was whether Sara Care's workers' compensation policy was extended due to Texas Mutual's alleged failure to comply with statutory cancellation notice requirements, thus covering Ms. Martinez's injury. The Workers' Compensation Commission Appeals Panel and the trial court affirmed coverage. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's judgment regarding judicial review of the Appeals Panel decision, Sara Care's common law claims (breach of contract, promissory estoppel), and the attorney's fee award. However, the court reversed and remanded the trial court's judgment on Sara Care's statutory claims (Texas Insurance Code and Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act) and the 'knowingly' finding, stating a fact issue remained on whether coverage liability was 'reasonably clear' for these claims.

Workers' Compensation InsurancePolicy NonrenewalStatutory Notice RequirementsSummary Judgment ReviewAppellate Court DecisionBreach of ContractTexas Insurance Code ViolationsDTPA ViolationsAttorney's FeesJudicial Review
References
30
Case No. 08-08-00192-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Sep 15, 2010

Texas Mutual Insurance Company v. Sara Care Child Care Inc. and Martha Martinez

This case involves an appeal by Texas Mutual Insurance Company (TMI) against Sara Care Child Care Center, Inc. and Martha Martinez, challenging summary judgment orders and a final judgment. The core dispute revolves around workers' compensation insurance coverage for an employee's work-related injury, which TMI denied based on policy expiration. The appeals panel and trial court found TMI liable due to its failure to comply with Texas Labor Code Section 406.008 notice requirements for policy cancellation or nonrenewal, extending Sara Care's coverage. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision regarding TMI's judicial review petition and its liability for common law claims and attorney's fees. However, the court reversed and remanded the judgment concerning Sara Care's statutory claims under the Texas Insurance Code and the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, as a fact issue remained regarding whether TMI's coverage liability was "reasonably clear," impacting the "knowingly" finding for additional damages.

Workers' Compensation InsurancePolicy NonrenewalSummary Judgment AppealTexas Labor CodeTexas Insurance CodeDeceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA)Breach of ContractPromissory EstoppelAttorney's FeesJudicial Review
References
30
Case No. 03-07-00429-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Dec 12, 2008

Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool v. Southwest Service Life Insurance Company and Regal Life of America Insurance Company

Southwest Service Life Insurance Company and Regal Life of America Insurance Company (Appellees) brought a declaratory-judgment action against the Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool (Appellant) to challenge assessments levied against them, arguing their policies qualified as 'other limited benefit coverage' under the Texas Insurance Code. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the Appellees and awarded attorney's fees. The Pool appealed, contending the summary judgment was erroneous and the attorney's fee award should be reversed. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's judgment, holding that the policies issued by Southwest and Regal were indeed covered by the 'limited benefit coverage' exception, and thus the summary judgment and attorney's fee award were proper.

Insurance LawHealth InsuranceStatutory ConstructionDeclaratory JudgmentSummary JudgmentAttorney's FeesTexas Insurance CodeLimited Benefit CoverageHIPAAAdministrative Law
References
15
Case No. E2003-00432-WC-R3-CV
Regular Panel Decision

Bryant v. BAPTIST HEALTH SYSTEM HOME CARE

Patricia Bryant, a home-health nursing assistant, suffered two work-related back injuries in 1997 while working for Baptist Health System Home Care of East Tennessee. After leaving employment, she filed for workers' compensation benefits. During a deposition in 1998, Bryant falsely testified she had not worked since leaving Baptist. Upon discovery, Baptist filed a counterclaim under the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Act. The trial court dismissed Baptist's counterclaim, finding no prejudice or fraudulent insurance act, and awarded Bryant 22.5% permanent partial disability benefits. The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's dismissal of the counterclaim, ruling that Baptist, as a self-insured employer, did not fit the 'insurer' definition under the Fraud Act, and affirmed the disability award, deferring to the trial court's credibility assessment of Bryant despite her false testimony.

Workers' Compensation FraudFalse TestimonyPermanent Partial Disability BenefitsMedical Impairment RatingNeurosurgeon OpinionSelf-Insured Employer LiabilityStatutory InterpretationAppellate Court ReviewCredibility AssessmentBack Injury Claim
References
13
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Dec 11, 2008

Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool v. Southwest Service Life Insurance Co.

Southwest Service Life Insurance Company and Regal Life of America Insurance Company initiated a declaratory-judgment action against the Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool, challenging their liability for certain assessments. The central legal question involved the interpretation of "other limited benefit coverage" under Texas Insurance Code Ann. § 1506.002(b)(7) to determine if the plaintiffs' policies were exempt from these assessments. The trial court granted summary judgment for the insurance companies and awarded attorney's fees. On appeal, the court affirmed, concluding that the policies did fall under the statutory exception, rejecting the Pool's arguments for a narrower interpretation and finding the attorney's fee award appropriate.

Declaratory JudgmentStatutory ConstructionInsurance LawHealth InsuranceRisk PoolLimited Benefit CoverageSummary JudgmentAttorney's FeesAppellate ReviewHIPAA
References
36
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Franzese v. United Health Care/Oxford

Plaintiffs Robert and Elizabeth Franzese, parents and legal guardians of disabled adult Robert Franzese Jr. ("Bobby"), sued United Health Care/Oxford under ERISA to recover medical benefits. Bobby, suffering from chronic lung disease, requires 24/7 in-home nursing care. Oxford denied preauthorization for private duty nursing, citing it as an exclusion, and denied home health care services. The court granted Oxford's summary judgment motion regarding private duty nursing and Xopenex preauthorization, finding private duty nursing not covered. However, the court denied Oxford's motion regarding home health care services, deeming Oxford's denial arbitrary and capricious due to lack of substantial evidence. The case is remanded to Oxford for reconsideration of home health care benefits.

Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)Medical BenefitsHealth Insurance DenialSummary JudgmentArbitrary and Capricious StandardHome Health CarePrivate Duty NursingPreauthorizationMedical NecessityChronic Lung Disease
References
37
Case No. No. 11, No. 12
Regular Panel Decision
Mar 26, 2019

Lilya Andryeyeva v. New York Health Care , Adriana Moreno v. Future Care Health Services

The New York Court of Appeals addressed a common issue in two joint appeals: whether home health care aides on 24-hour shifts must be paid for each hour. The Department of Labor (DOL) interpreted its Wage Order (12 NYCRR part 142) to allow payment for at least 13 hours if the employee receives at least 8 hours for sleep (with 5 uninterrupted) and 3 hours for meals. The Appellate Division rejected this, but the Court of Appeals reversed, deferring to DOL's interpretation as rational and consistent with the Wage Order's plain language. The cases were remitted for lower courts to evaluate class certification issues in accordance with DOL's interpretation.

Home Health Care24-Hour ShiftsMinimum Wage ActWage OrderDepartment of Labor InterpretationClass CertificationAppellate ReviewLabor Law ViolationsSleep BreaksMeal Breaks
References
49
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