Law360 (September 22, 2023, 7:59 PM EDT) — The Eleventh Circuit didn’t seem to be buying what objectors to a $2.67 billion antitrust deal with Blue Cross Blue Shield were selling Friday during oral arguments, where the panel heard from more than half a dozen attorneys, and one pro se litigant, on why they should or should not undo the settlement.
All three judges on the panel — two Eleventh Circuit judges and one visiting judge from Florida federal court — quizzed the presenting parties Friday morning, expressing doubt more than once about the argument that the $2.67 billion agreement was unfair and should not have been approved.
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Author Archives: Admin
Lawmakers publicly scrutinize deal to sell Blue Cross to Elevance Health
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – State lawmakers spent six hours questioning executives of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana over the planned sale of the company to Elevance Health of Indiana.
The legislature’s Joint Committee held a hearing to get details about the proposed sale of BCBS, which is the largest healthcare insurer in Louisiana.
Steven Udvarhelyi, M.D. is CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield. He explained that Elevance is formerly Anthem.
“As you may know, it’s a new name. They previously were Anthem. They are the parent company of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in 14 other states,” said Udvarhelyi.
Contract dispute between Anthem and Bon Secours escalates, insurance company files cease and desist
By: Sierra Krug
8 News
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A contract dispute between Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Bon Secours recently escalated with the insurance company filing a cease and desist. They said the healthcare system has been wrongfully denying patients coverage.
After 11,000 Anthem Medicare Advantage patients lost coverage with Bon Secours facilities due to contract re-negotiation disagreements back on Aug. 1. The insurance company’s president, Monica Schmude, said there’s been some confusion.
Contract negotiations stall for Salina Regional, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
By: KWCH Staff
SALINA, Kan. (KWCH) – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and Salina Regional Health Center are at an impasse in contract negotiations. The hospital has until Sept. 3 to decide if it will remain in-network with the medical insurance provider.
Negotiations have been going on for at least two months. Salina Regional said it has been consistent in asking for an offer from the insurance company that mirrors other hospitals. The hospital said Blue Cross Blue Shield made an offer in May that was far from the hospital’s goals. The hospital responded with a counter-offer in July that it said, was made with considerable concessions.
Vermont regulators trim health insurance premium increases
Vermont Health Connect marketplace plans for individuals and small groups will still be allowed to increase an average of at least 11.4% and as much as 14%, depending on the insurer and type of plan.
By: Kristen Fountain
The two insurance companies that offer health care plans through Vermont Health Connect to individuals and small employers will be able to increase premiums by double digits in 2024.
However, regulators significantly cut back the rates that insurers had requested, based largely on the expectation of regulatory cuts in 2024 hospital budgets, for which hearings begin this week.
Messy Bon Secours-Anthem dispute threatens to disrupt care for thousands of Virginians on Medicare
Disruptions possible for Virginians with Medicaid thorough Anthem if resolution not reached by Oct 1
By: Sarah Vogelsong
A messy contract dispute between Bon Secours Mercy Health and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has left 11,000 Virginians who have Medicare plans through Anthem out of network for Bon Secours, which operates numerous hospitals in the Richmond and Hampton Roads regions.
If the disagreement isn’t resolved by Oct. 1, an additional 39,000 Virginians who get Medicaid coverage through Anthem could also find themselves out of network, potentially facing disruption to their ability to get health care. Thousands of low-income people with managed Medicaid plans through Anthem in Ohio already are unable to get their care covered at Bon Secours Mercy Health facilities in that state.
“An entire health system going out of network doesn’t just impact the hospital,” said Sara Cariano, deputy director of the Center for Healthy Communities with the Virginia Poverty Law Center. “We want folks to be able to access care when they need it, particularly the most vulnerable.”
BlueCross BlueShield cuts negatively impact small business
By: Rafi Chowdury
It is a great time to be in business in Memphis. The city has rebounded nicely from the Covid-19 pandemic, recapturing jobs and pushing the economy forward with the growth of gross domestic product and new economic development prospects. As an entrepreneur growing a business here, I can say the buzz in the city is palpable.
It is also more competitive than ever here when it comes to recruiting and retaining employees. A trusted health insurance program is a difference maker when it comes to building a quality team. That’s why business owners should take note of the troubling facts behind the recent BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare standoff.
Thousands impacted by ongoing contract disagreements between Bon Secours and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
by: Sierra Krug
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — As of Aug. 1, a trip to the doctor’s office could cost about 19,000 Virginians — 13,000 of whom are based in Richmond — more money.
The healthcare system, Bon Secours, and the insurance company, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, were unable to re-negotiate a Medicare Advantage Contract in time to prevent contract termination. It’s been a looming threat that if the two parties don’t reach an agreement by Aug. 1, Bon Secours providers and facilities would become “out-of-network” for Anthem Medicare Advantage patients.
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BlueCross BlueShield says sensitive info may have been mailed mistakenly
By: Jacob Gallant
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is informing customers of a mailing issue that may have distributed people’s information.
Officials say old, outdated letters were mailed by mistake.
The mistake impacts 2,688 current and former members.
Blue Cross offers Henry County hospital more money, but it’s nowhere close to what’s needed to save OB ward
By: Jennifer Kraus
PARIS, Tenn. (WTVF) — There is great disappointment in Henry County.
As we’ve reported, the Henry County Medical Center is struggling financially and recently announced plans to shut down its OB-GYN ward.
Many had hoped the hospital would be able to keep its maternity ward open if Blue Cross Blue Shield paid more for moms and babies on TennCare. But NewsChannel 5 Investigates has discovered that BlueCross just made an offer to the hospital.
The only problem is that it doesn’t even come close to what is needed.