In your letter of April 26, 1991, you request an advisory opinion from the Judicial Inquiry
Commission. You present the following questions regarding recusal:
“Blue Cross-Blue Shield is a primary witness in a law suit currently
pending before the judge. Counsel for Blue Cross has appeared and
informed the court that Blue Cross anticipates intervening as a party in
said lawsuit. The judge and his family are covered by a Blue Cross group
medical insurance plan for which the judge pays for spouse and
dependent coverage. A motion to recuse has been made by opposing
counsel. Should the judge recuse himself and, if so, what procedure
should be utilized to reassign the case for trial assuming that all other
currently elected and sitting judges in this state are also covered by the
same medical insurance plan?”