CIGNA Corp. v. Amara

Holding: Although the district court did not have authority under Section 502(a)(1)(B) of ERISA to reform CIGNA's pension plan, it did have authority to do so under another provision, Section 502(a)(3). (Sotomayor, J., recused).

Plain English Holding: Courts may order changes to the terms of a pension plan to remedy false or otherwise unlawful disclosures by the plan to the plan participants.

Judgment: Second Circuit vacated and remanded, 8-0, in an opinion by Justice Breyer on May 16, 2011. Justices Scalia and Thomas concurred in the judgment only. (Sotomayor, J., recused).

SCOTUSblog Coverage

• This week at the Court: In Plain English
• Opinion analysis: CIGNA v. Amara
• New curb on Bivens remedy?
• Argument recap: Determining proper remedies under ERISA
• Argument preview: Does proof of likely harm justify relief under ERISA?

Briefs and Documents

Merits Briefs

• Brief for Petitioners Cigna Corporation and Cigna Pension Plan
• Brief for Respondent Janice C. Amara, Gisela R. Broderick, Annette S. Glanz, Individually and on Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated
• Reply Brief for Petitioner Cigna Corporation and Cigna Pension Plan

Amicus Briefs

• Brief for AARP in Support of Respondent
• Brief for the United States of America in Support of Respondent
• Brief for the National Employment Lawyers Assocation, the Pension Rights Center, and United Policyholders in Support of Respondent

Certiorari-Stage Documents

• Petition for certiorari (09-804) (unavailable)
• Brief in opposition (09-804) (unavailable)
• Petitioners’ reply (09-804)
• Supplemental brief of Amara (in both cases) (unavailable)
• Supplemental brief of Cigna (in both cases) (unavailable)