Heath Ledger Life Insurance Case Settled

1. Yes, ReliaStar had cause to dispute the information supplied by Mr. Ledger. We are now aware that Mr. Ledger did use illicit drugs, though we don't know when that began or how long it occurred.

But no one wishes to see little Matilda left out in the cold. I'm glad they reached a settlement.

Posted at 1:01PM on Jan 29th 2009 by Carolyn A-B

2. I'm almost certain little matilda will never want for anything with or without the Insurance pay out. However, this is typical from Insurance companies always looking for a way out of paying off on benifits. Perhaps they should be a bit more careful in the future when writing such a huge policy. Of course the agent only saw "$$$" with a young man taking out a huge policy and figured they would have made there money way before it was time to pay off.

Posted at 1:34PM on Jan 29th 2009 by A101

3. Good.. they couldn't prove anything.. all they could actually prove was that he paid them for the policy.

Insurance Agents can be such AHoles. The love the payers.. hate the pay-outs.
They are such pigs.

Posted at 1:43PM on Jan 29th 2009 by Prince VonAHole FanClub

4. I am glad that this was settled. It upsets me that Reliastar dragged it like they did. I know it's only been a year, but I think there should have been no question and I think Reliastar just didn't want to pay out the large amount that was obviously paid out.

Posted at 2:16PM on Jan 29th 2009 by Megan

5. thats wondeful but what was this comment on people.com about Matidias lawyer filing for custody? What! What is going on?
They have some kind of hearingin Feb? Is Michelle giving up custody for some reason. I'm confused

Posted at 3:01PM on Jan 29th 2009 by sweetipie

6. Rent Sicko directed by Micheal Moore. You will see why insurance companies loves to f*ck people over with small errors or small tiny mistakes on applications to revoke their life insurance or health care.

Posted at 3:52PM on Jan 29th 2009 by R

7. Insurance companies are something like investing your money with someone like Bernie Madoff!!! They sure want the premiums (the larger the better) but don't ever want to pay anyone a cent. Glad this was finally settled.

Posted at 6:00PM on Jan 29th 2009 by Brenda

8. Sounds like the insurance company wanted to get out of paying millions. They are scum, glad they have to pay up.

Posted at 7:57PM on Jan 29th 2009 by Jimmy

9. Ahh, that fine line between "blatant stupidity" and "suicide." ("What do you mean, I can't just take three or four [or five or six] other pills if the first one doesn't work--?" asked Heath-- which is why actors are so often in the care of burly handlers.) Reliastar would have been completely justified in sending Ledger's estate packing without a cent. Generous-- and, yes, very publicity-conscious-- of the company to strike a deal.

Posted at 11:09PM on Jan 29th 2009 by Burp

10. Hey ReliaStar,

Can I sign up for one of those policies?

Posted at 11:42PM on Jan 29th 2009 by Amy Winehouse.

11. If were you or I , we would have been stiffed on the insurance payout...he did drugs, and did not disclose that information . The fact that there is a setlement is only becasue of who he was. The case should have been booted out.

Posted at 2:14AM on Jan 30th 2009 by ruby

12. I don't blame the insurance company at all, this is heath the losers fault. He did use illegal drugs often and lied, and od'ed,
the loser should have gotten a trust fund for poor little Matilda, it is ashame she is the victom because her daddy was a drug loving loser.
Oh and I thought he sucked as the joker too!

Posted at 8:10AM on Jan 30th 2009 by Li

13. Li,.. Totally inappropriate comments. The Man is dead. Geez,... show some compassion. Your oppinion on his performance as Joker has nothing to do with this situation. The fact that he did or did not use drugs is irrelevant. I can only assume for this large of a policy he was required to take a phisical before they provided coverage. If his drug use killed him that doesn't make him a loser. It is a tradgic loss and I would guess he had plenty assets to leave to his daughter. His pay off from The Dark Knight, You know the Character he "sucked" at Netted his estate more cash than most of us will ever see in our lifetime. Fact remains, Matilda is well taken care of. I don't think taxpers will be holding the bag when it comes to feeding, clothing and educating Matilda. I think your definition of "Loser" is just a wee bit open to discussion. Insurance companies should be forced to live up to the policies they write. The burden of protecting themselves is squarly on the agents. Maybe they should be more involved than simply writting a policy and collecting the premiums. Perhaps they should incorporate higher standards into there selection process.

Posted at 10:56AM on Jan 30th 2009 by A101

14. I work for MetLife, and with any new policy, there is a 2 year provisional period, where the life insurance company reserves the right to examine the death of any policy holder. There are 2 ways the company can not pay, the 1st being if the insured was found to be lying about any health conditions, and the 2nd is Suicide. After 2 years, the insured can die of anything and the insurance company will pay out. Hope this helps!

Posted at 3:39PM on Feb 18th 2009 by Patty

15. I AM SO GREATFUL, that poor child could have starved...NOT!

Posted at 3:32PM on Feb 19th 2009 by MICHELLE S