Opinion ID: 6908
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Wrongful denial of benefits claims

Text: 23 Hines raises two claims under ERISA Section 502: 8 24
25
26 The district court noted that, in addition to equitable relief, Section 502(a) allows recovery, enforcement, or clarification of specific rights or benefits to which plan beneficiaries and participants are entitled under the terms of a plan. Because Parker was not entitled to benefits when GECO terminated payments on October 1, 1988, the district court granted summary judgment on Hines's Section 502 claims. 27 We agree with the district court's assessment of these claims. Parker received all the benefits to which he was entitled under the Mass. policy. Hines has not shown that Parker is entitled to any further benefits. Parker may have had unlimited coverage under the Mass. policy when it was in effect, but that coverage was not permanent because GECO could amend or terminate that policy at any time. Thus, GECO broke no promise to Parker. See McGann, 946 F.2d at 405 (noting that ERISA does not require vesting of medical benefits once they are included in a welfare plan). We conclude that the district court properly granted summary judgment on Hines's Section 502 claims.