$299,000 Class Deal Wins Final OK In ERISA Row Over Plan’s Tobacco Surcharge

( August 13, 2025, 2:04 PM EDT) -- CHICAGO — Resolving an Employee Retirement Income Security Act suit over annual $1,152 surcharges imposed on about 431 health plan participants who use tobacco, an Illinois federal judge on Aug. 12 gave final approval to a $299,000 class settlement and made awards in the amounts requested, including $99,666.67 for attorney fees and a $5,000 case contribution award....