Key facts pulled from the official settlement site; not yet independently field-verified — confirm details on the official site.
Aetna L-ADR Surgery Denial Settlement
Aetna wrongfully denied coverage for lumbar artificial disc replacement surgery, settling for $2.56M with eligible patients receiving up to $55,000 reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs or future surgery coverage.
Up to $55,000 per eligible class member for reimbursement of past out-of-pocket L-ADR surgery costs; coverage for future surgery for current Aetna members; up to $55,000 reimbursement for future surgery for former members
Who may qualify
You qualify if you were covered under an ERISA-governed Aetna health plan and Aetna denied your single-level lumbar artificial disc replacement claim as experimental or investigational between mid-2016 and early 2023. This includes those who paid out-of-pocket for the surgery, current Aetna members seeking future surgery, and former members no longer covered by Aetna.
Covered under ERISA-governed Aetna health plan; had single-level L-ADR surgery denial between August 7, 2016 and February 8, 2023 (Hendricks action) or March 4, 2019 and February 8, 2023 (Howard action); either paid out-of-pocket for denied surgery, currently awaiting future surgery, or formerly covered and seeking future surgery
This summary is based on available official settlement sources. The settlement administrator determines eligibility and payment approval.
Important dates
- Claim deadline
- December 9, 2026
- Exclusion deadline
- February 17, 2026 (passed)
- Objection deadline
- February 17, 2026 (passed)
Proof requirements
Proof requirement is currently marked as Yes.
Review the official claim form before submitting any information.
What you need
Must provide proof of ERISA plan coverage, documentation of L-ADR surgery denial or future surgery need, medical records, proof of payment (for past reimbursement), and surgeon attestation of medical necessity (for future surgery or former members).
How do I file a claim for this settlement?
File directly with Atticus Administration, PO Box 64053, St. Paul, MN 55164 via the official claim form before December 9, 2026.
- Confirm you are within the eligible group described in the official notice — the settlement administrator determines eligibility.
- Gather any documents the official form asks for — this settlement marks proof as Yes.
- Open the official claim form or settlement website run by Atticus Administration, PO Box 64053, St. Paul, MN 55164.
- Submit accurate information through the official settlement administrator or government source before December 9, 2026.
- Save your confirmation number if one is provided, then watch the payment status for distribution updates.
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Common questions
Who may qualify for this settlement?
Covered under ERISA-governed Aetna health plan; had single-level L-ADR surgery denial between August 7, 2016 and February 8, 2023 (Hendricks action) or March 4, 2019 and February 8, 2023 (Howard action); either paid out-of-pocket for denied surgery, currently awaiting future surgery, or formerly covered and seeking future surgery
What is the claim deadline?
The claim deadline is December 9, 2026. Confirm the current deadline on the official settlement source before filing.
Do I need proof to claim?
Proof requirement: Yes. The settlement administrator determines what documentation, if any, is required.
What is the current payment status?
Current payment status: Unknown. Payments are issued by the administrator after the court process concludes.
When will Aetna L-ADR Surgery Denial Settlement pay out?
Current payment status: Unknown. Class-action payouts typically begin only after final approval and any appeals. See our payout timeline guide.
Where is the official Aetna L-ADR Surgery Denial Settlement claim form?
The official claim form is hosted by the settlement administrator, Atticus Administration, PO Box 64053, St. Paul, MN 55164. Use the 'Open official claim form' button on this page — never pay a fee to file.
What is lumbar artificial disc replacement (L-ADR)?
L-ADR is a surgical procedure to treat degenerative disc disease of the spine by replacing a damaged intervertebral disc with an artificial one. Although FDA-approved in 2004-2006, Aetna had categorized it as experimental and investigational, wrongly denying coverage.
How much can I receive?
Up to $55,000 per member. Past out-of-pocket payers can receive reimbursement for documented costs. Current Aetna members get coverage for future surgery. Former members can receive reimbursement for a future single-level L-ADR up to $55,000.
What proof do I need to submit?
You'll need proof of ERISA plan coverage, documentation of Aetna's denial (if applicable), proof of payment (for past reimbursement), medical records, and for future surgery claims, a letter from your treating surgeon attesting that L-ADR is medically necessary.
When can I claim?
The claim window is currently open. The deadline for current Aetna members is December 9, 2026. Former members seeking future surgery have a deadline of August 11, 2026. The exclusion/objection deadline was February 17, 2026.
How do I file a claim?
You can file online at ladrsurgerysettlement.com or mail your completed claim form and supporting documentation to Atticus Administration, PO Box 64053, St. Paul, MN 55164. Contact: 800-243-4551 or LADRSurgerySettlement@atticusadmin.com.
Where to act
When you are ready, you open the official claim form yourself. SettleSignal does not file claims or determine eligibility.
Use the official settlement administrator or government source.
Listed on the official settlement website (Atticus Administration).
Disclaimer
This service summarizes publicly available settlement information and links to official settlement sources. We are not a law firm, do not provide legal advice, do not submit claims on your behalf, and do not determine eligibility or payout approval. Only file a claim if the information you provide is accurate.
Change log
- June 9, 2026 — Settlement published after verification.