In a landmark development, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has reached a $2.8 billion settlement to resolve antitrust claims brought by health care providers, including chiropractors. The lawsuit accused BCBS of dividing the nation into exclusive regions and limiting competition, which resulted in lower reimbursements for providers. Although BCBS denies any wrongdoing, the company agreed to the settlement to avoid lengthy litigation – and you can get a piece of the pie.
Interesting Quote
The Next Generation of MCOs
"Managed care was 'soup to nuts' with a 'we'll take care of you' attitude. As consumers demand alternative care, MCOs are obliged to respond to attract and retain members. When they offer alternative medicine, they are breaking their original credo, dissembling what managed care organizations were built upon. They are becoming the next generation of indemnity plans."
-- J.D. Kleinke, vice president, Managed Care for HCIA, a Baltimore-based health care information company.
Source: Changing their ways to keep up with the times. Managed Healthcare, June 1997.