A fifth lawsuit has been filed against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Ascension Health and 21 Michigan hospitals, according to a news release from Michigan law firm Sommers Schwartz.
The lawsuit alleges the insurer violated antitrust statutes by demanding that contracted hospitals overcharge patients who are insured by BCBS competitors. The alleged overcharges ranged from 15-30 percent on average and allegedly began around 2007. The lawsuit previously filed by the U.S. Justice Department and former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox against BCBS alleges the agreements with the hospitals stifle competition and drive up consumers' insurance costs.
The lawsuit is the fifth in a series of class-action antitrust lawsuits filed against BCBS in regards to its contracts. One class-action suit has already been dismissed, and a U.S. district judge will decide whether to consolidate the class-action lawsuits.
Read the news release about BCBS of Michigan.
Read other coverage about BCBS of Michigan:
- Judge to Decide Whether to Consolidate Class-Action Suits Against BCBS of Michigan
- Michigan Blue Cross Defends Demand for Hospitals' Lowest Price
- Michigan Blue Cross Wants Dismissal of Antitrust Suit on Payments to Hospitals
The lawsuit alleges the insurer violated antitrust statutes by demanding that contracted hospitals overcharge patients who are insured by BCBS competitors. The alleged overcharges ranged from 15-30 percent on average and allegedly began around 2007. The lawsuit previously filed by the U.S. Justice Department and former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox against BCBS alleges the agreements with the hospitals stifle competition and drive up consumers' insurance costs.
The lawsuit is the fifth in a series of class-action antitrust lawsuits filed against BCBS in regards to its contracts. One class-action suit has already been dismissed, and a U.S. district judge will decide whether to consolidate the class-action lawsuits.
Read the news release about BCBS of Michigan.
Read other coverage about BCBS of Michigan:
- Judge to Decide Whether to Consolidate Class-Action Suits Against BCBS of Michigan
- Michigan Blue Cross Defends Demand for Hospitals' Lowest Price
- Michigan Blue Cross Wants Dismissal of Antitrust Suit on Payments to Hospitals