Health insurer Aetna has filed a lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, alleging BCBS of Michigan raised consumer rates and consequently gave money back to hospitals who agreed to charge higher prices to Aetna and other competitors, according to a Detroit Free Press report.
The lawsuit specifically claims BCBS of Michigan tried to protect its dominant position in the area and "thwart competition from Aetna" and others, according to the report.
Last year, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a similar lawsuit, which alleged BCBS of Michigan negotiated contracts with favorable reimbursement rates to 70 hospitals in the state, and in return, hospitals would charge more to competitors, according to the report.
BCBS of Michigan, which covers roughly 60 percent of Michigan residents, said the charges in both the Aetna and federal case are unsubstantiated.
The lawsuit specifically claims BCBS of Michigan tried to protect its dominant position in the area and "thwart competition from Aetna" and others, according to the report.
Last year, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a similar lawsuit, which alleged BCBS of Michigan negotiated contracts with favorable reimbursement rates to 70 hospitals in the state, and in return, hospitals would charge more to competitors, according to the report.
BCBS of Michigan, which covers roughly 60 percent of Michigan residents, said the charges in both the Aetna and federal case are unsubstantiated.
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