"[This issue examines] the application of ERISA pre-emption to state-law misrepresentation claims by medical providers against ERISA plans or their insurers. The Fifth Circuit, which has issued several of the leading appellate decisions on ERISA pre-emption of provider claims, recently granted en banc review of such a claim in the Access Mediquip case. Oral argument is set for September 19, and the en banc ruling will likely have wide-ranging implications regarding the scope of ERISA pre-emption in the context of medical-provider claims."  MORE >>