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.
Growth of Managed Care
Managed care enrollment in the United States is growing at an unprecedented rate. The number of Americans enrolled in preferred provider organizations (PPOs) increased by more than 32 percent in 1993. The number enrolled in health maintenance organizations (HMOs) increased by over 9 percent.
HMOs
1992 -- 38.8 million enrollees
1993 -- 42.3 million enrollees
PPOs
1992 -- 58 million eligible enrollees
1993 -- 76.6 million eligible enrollees
SOURCE: 1. InterStudy
2. American Association of PPOs