Judson Pankey v. Aetna Life Insurance Company

Summary

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the district court’s grant of summary judgment to Aetna Life Insurance, holding that Aetna’s termination of Judson Pankey’s long‑term disability benefits was not arbitrary or capricious. The court found that the plan gave Aetna discretionary authority to require proof of eligibility and that Pankey’s refusal to provide the requested documentation justified termination. The court also reiterated that summary‑judgment rulings are reviewed de novo.