Wirries v. Reliance Standard Life Insurance

MEMORANDUM *

Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company appeals the district court’s ruling reversing Reliance’s decision to terminate benefits to Dama Wirries. We affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand to the district court for further proceedings.

The district court erred in reviewing Reliance’s denial of benefits de novo because the plan unambiguously provided the plan administrator with discretionary authority to interpret the plan and determine eligibility. See Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101, 115, 109 S.Ct. 948, 103 L.Ed.2d 80 (1989); Kearney v. Standard Ins. Co.,…