Schlichter Bogard Launches Wave of Suits on Voluntary Benefits (2)

A series of class actions filed Tuesday accuse employers and benefits consultants of neglect and self-dealing in voluntary benefits.

At least four lawsuits target CHS/Community Health Systems Inc., Universal Services of America LP, Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings, and United Airlines Inc. over high premiums in accident, critical illness, cancer, and hospital indemnity insurance—voluntary benefits that are not subsidized by employers.

The cases also allege high-profile benefits consultants Gallagher Benefit Services Inc., Mercer Health and Benefits Administration LLC, Lockton Companies LLC, and Willis Towers Watson US LLC engaged in self-dealing at the expense of enrollees.

The ...