The Importance of Making Valid Disability Claims

An employee of Cigna in Maine was denied coverage for weight loss medication, so she sued the insurance carrier, claiming her obesity was a disability. While she described the potential impact of obesity on her health, she failed to demonstrate that her obesity “substantially limited one or more major life activities,” a requirement under the law. Her claim was therefore denied. 

Regarding obesity, it is noted (1) that this is not the only court to have ruled in this manner, but (2) the use of GLP-1 drugs is becoming widespread and is a having positive impact on healthcare costs, so this may even become a moot issue.