Subject:
Title
Authority to initiate litigation in the case of Ryan Brinson v. Pinellas County, et al. - crossclaim against Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company in case number 26-000632-CI.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of authority to file a crossclaim for breach of contract against Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company.
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Strategic Priorities:
N/A
Summary:
Summary
On February 4, 2026, a complaint for monetary damages was filed against the County and Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Cigna) alleging the improper denial of certain medical claims. Third-party administration of the County’s self-insured employee health plan was being provided by Cigna pursuant to contract number 21-0162P(LN).
The County’s contract requires Cigna to indemnify and defend the County for claims arising from administration of benefits.
On February 16, 2026, Human Resources tendered the claim to Cigna. As of the agenda deadline, the County’s tender has not been accepted.
The County Attorney’s Office seeks authority to file a crossclaim against Cigna and any other defendants necessary to defend the County’s interests.
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Background Information:
The award of contract 21-0162P(LN) was approved by the Board on October 12, 2021, under Legistar No. 20-2327A and terminated effective December 31, 2024, under Legistar No. 24-0960A.
Notice of defense of litigation is before the Board on March 24, 2026, under Legistar No. 26-0262A.
Fiscal Impact:
Unknown.
Staff Member Responsible:
Jewel White, County Attorney
Christy Donovan Pemberton, Managing Assistant County Attorney
Andrew P. Keefe, Sr. Assistant County Attorney
Partners:
Pinellas County Human Resources
Attachments:
N/A