Reliance Defeats Flutist’s Covid-19 Disability Pay Suit, Again

A flutist for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra failed to convince a federal appeals court on Tuesday that she was eligible for long-term disability benefits while she was furloughed amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Karen Moratz was ineligible for coverage under Reliance Standard Life Insurance Co.'s plan since she wasn’t employed by the symphony orchestra when she became disabled in December 2020, Judge Joshua P. Kolar said. The US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit also rejected Moratz’s argument that the evidence shows she was eligible for benefits when she was re-hired in September 2021.

The new information Moratz provides on ...