Insurance lawsuit follows Barker investigation

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A Larry Barker investigation last month has led to a class action lawsuit against a big insurance company and the state.
     
Thousands of state employees pay premiums to standard life insurance for supplemental life insurance under an arrangement with the state.
      
Barker found that standard refused to pay the families of two state employees who died, because even though the workers paid their premiums, they did not fill out a medical form.

“Standard didn't mind cashing the checks, but they didn't want to write any checks. All we ask is that they pay that back,” personal injury attorney Bill Carpenter said.
    
The lawsuit filed on behalf of the 9,000 state employees who purchased the supplemental life insurance, lists both the company and the state as defendants.