April 15, 2008
Anthem accused of violating antitrust laws
Maine's business court has given the go-ahead to a class-action lawsuit against Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine for allegedly violating Maine's antitrust laws.
The class-action suit was filed by Christy Stout against the insurer on behalf of herself and other licensed physical therapists who are participating providers with Anthem in Maine, according to a press release. The suit claims Anthem illegally breached its contract with the therapists when in January 2006 it unexpectedly announced that as of April 1 of that year, it would reduce reimbursements outlined in the contracts by 20%. The suit seeks to recover money for those underpayments.
The therapists allege Anthem used its market domination in Maine to threaten termination from the network if the providers did not accept the new terms, thus violating the Maine Antitrust Act. The case will now move into the discovery phase before trial.
The class-action suit was filed by Christy Stout against the insurer on behalf of herself and other licensed physical therapists who are participating providers with Anthem in Maine, according to a press release. The suit claims Anthem illegally breached its contract with the therapists when in January 2006 it unexpectedly announced that as of April 1 of that year, it would reduce reimbursements outlined in the contracts by 20%. The suit seeks to recover money for those underpayments.
The therapists allege Anthem used its market domination in Maine to threaten termination from the network if the providers did not accept the new terms, thus violating the Maine Antitrust Act. The case will now move into the discovery phase before trial.
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