Judge Delays Jan. 27 Hearing on Anthem’s Motions in CHA Lawsuit
What’s happening: A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has delayed the Jan. 27 court hearing on two motions by Anthem Blue Cross — to dismiss CHA’s lawsuit and strike requested remedies — to Feb. 14. In the lawsuit, CHA claims Anthem failed to provide timely post-hospital care for its members.
What else to know: CHA has filed opposition to each of the motions, disputing both Anthem’s legal arguments and its characterization of the facts. The judge’s decision could come as soon as the hearing, but no later than May 14. The judge gave no reason for delaying the hearing.
Judge to Hear Anthem’s Motions in CHA Lawsuit on Jan. 27
What’s happening: A Los Angeles Superior Court judge will hear two motions by Anthem Blue Cross on Jan. 27 to dismiss CHA’s lawsuit and strike requested remedies. In the lawsuit, CHA claims Anthem failed to provide timely post-hospital care for its members.
What else to know: CHA has filed opposition to each of the motions, disputing both Anthem’s legal arguments and its characterization of the facts. The judge’s decision could come as soon as the hearing, but no later than April 28.
Additional Participation Information Now Available on Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement
What’s happening: With additional information available on the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) antitrust claims settlement process, hospitals will benefit from reviewing the recent BCBS antitrust settlement agreement’s potential impact with their legal counsel, including whether to remain in or opt out of the settlement.
What else to know: BCBS plans (referred to as Blue Plans) have agreed to a $2.8 billion settlement to resolve legal allegations from a slew of providers who claim the insurers colluded to prevent competition and lower reimbursements. The settlement will bring a decade-long legal battle to a close, should it secure final approval.
DMHC Fines Blue Cross of California $3.5 Million, Second Grievance-Related Fine in Recent History
What’s happening: On. Dec. 16, the California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) announced that it fined Blue Cross of California (Anthem Blue Cross) $3.5 million for mishandling member grievances and not responding on time.
What else to know: Anthem Blue Cross has paid the $3.5 million fine and acknowledged its failure to follow law, which states that “health plans must resolve a standard grievance within 30 days and send a written resolution to the member.”
California Reaches $55 Million Settlement Agreement with L.A. Care Health Plan
What’s happening: On Oct. 8, California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) and Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) officials announced they have reached settlement agreements with the largest Medi-Cal plan in the state.
What else to know: The two agreements with the Local Initiative Health Authority for Los Angeles County (L.A. Care Health Plan) — a $35 million settlement with the DMHC and a $20 million settlement with the DHCS — require that L.A. Care Health Plan improve its operations to ensure timely access to medically necessary health care services for all plan members, among other actions.