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Robert C. Deegan

Senior Counsel
Senior Counsel
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VCard
VCard

Areas of Focus

Overview

Robert Deegan represents clients in a wide range of litigation matters for managed care organizations (MCOs). He has defended clients in individual and class action cases brought by both providers and members. Robert’s experience includes defending MCOs against claims of:

  • Violation of ERISA
  • Facial violations of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act (MHPAEA)
  • As-applied violations of MHPAEA
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Breach of contract
  • Statutory and common law insurance bad faith
  • False advertising
  • Fraud, deceit, and misrepresentation

Robert’s cases frequently involve statutory and common law challenges to managed care clients' clinical care guidelines and medical policies. In addition to defending MCOs in litigation, Robert proactively advises his clients on ways to reduce risks associated with medical necessity and experimental/investigational provisions of clinical care guidelines, medical policies, and health benefit plans.

Drawing on his training as a master’s-prepared nurse and his more than ten years of experience working in a variety of inpatient (short- and long-term), outpatient, and community mental health settings (including programs serving both private pay and primarily Medicaid populations), Robert provides practical and innovative legal advice to protect his clients and help them achieve their business goals.

Career & Education

    • University of Chicago Law School, J.D.
    • Yale University, M.S.N., Psychiatric Nursing
    • Yale University, B.A.
    • University of Chicago Law School, J.D.
    • Yale University, M.S.N., Psychiatric Nursing
    • Yale University, B.A.

    • Illinois
    • U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
    • Illinois
    • U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado

Representative Matters

  • Obtained numerous dismissals of all claims against managed care organizations in the Western, Northern, and Eastern Districts of Oklahoma in cases involving allegations of improper clinical care guidelines and medical policies.
  • Obtained dismissal of MHPAEA claims in District of Utah.
  • Won summary judgment on ERISA and MHPAEA claims in District of Utah.
  • Defeated class certification and secured summary judgment victories (including on appeal in one case) for several managed care clients in disputes involving the Affordable Care Act’s preventive services provision.