Opinion ID: 2762875
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Coventry’s Standing

Text: to A ppeal [6] A threshold issue in this case is whether Coventry has standing to bring this appeal from the order of the district court, despite the fact that it did not participate in the district court proceedings. The APA provides that an “aggrieved party” may seek appellate review of a district court’s order or judgment in an appeal from an administrative agency.12 Because the phrase “aggrieved party” is not defined by the APA, we have addressed the issue as a matter of standing.13 To have standing, a litigant must have a legal or equitable right, title, or interest in the subject matter of the controversy.14 The “party aggrieved” concept must be given a practical rather than hypertechnical meaning.15 [7] An appeal is generally available only to persons who were parties to the case below, although in a proper case a nonparty may be sufficiently interested in a judgment to permit him or her to take an appeal from it.16 Here, Coventry successfully contested Shaffer’s claim at the fair hearing. Coventry contends it has a financial interest in the outcome of this litigation and that as an MCO, it was a necessary party to the APA appeal under federal Medicaid regulations.17 The district court’s order acknowledges that “[Shaffer’s] coverage with [Coventry] became effective on October 1, 2011,” 11 Id. 12 § 84-918(1). 13 See, In re Application of Metropolitan Util. Dist., 270 Neb. 494, 704 N.W.2d 237 (2005); Stoneman v. United Neb. Bank, 254 Neb. 477, 577 N.W.2d 271 (1998). 14 See In re Application of Metropolitan Util. Dist., supra note 13. 15 Id. 16 Rozmus v. Rozmus, 257 Neb. 142, 595 N.W.2d 893 (1999). 17 See 42 C.F.R. § 438.408(f)(2) (2013). Nebraska Advance Sheets SHAFFER v. NEBRASKA DEPT. OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVS. 747 Cite as 289 Neb. 740 and it utilized the definition of “medical necessity” set out in Coventry’s “Handbook of Covered Services” in reaching its determination. We are satisfied that Coventry has alleged a sufficient legal right and interest in the matter in controversy to confer standing to appeal from the final order of the district court.