NJ’s largest insurer sues over ‘smear campaign’ about plan for chiropractic care, physical therapy
By: Lindy Washburn
North Jersey Record
The state’s largest health insurer is fighting back against what it calls a “smear campaign” about its plans to increase oversight of benefits for chiropractic care, physical therapy, acupuncture and occupational therapy.
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey filed suit this week in U.S. District Court against the New Jersey Doctor-Patient Alliance, an advocacy group for independent physicians and other medical professionals, including chiropractors.
The suit demands that the group take down its ads and petitions urging opposition to Horizon’s plan, post “corrective advertising” and reimburse Horizon for economic losses caused by the alliance’s “false” and “misleading” statements.
The president of the Doctor-Patient Alliance said the group’s statements were based “in fact,” and welcomed the opportunity to prove its claims in court.
The dispute centers on Horizon’s contract with American Specialty Health, an Indiana-based company that is to manage a network of physical health service providers for Horizon’s members, review claims, and evaluate whether some services are medically necessary.
