BCBS plans in Missouri, Ohio, Kansas, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and the District of Columbia have been issued civil subpoenas from federal investigators and some state attorneys general.
The anticompetitive clauses under investigation can simply be promises for the best pricing available, but they can violate antitrust laws if used improperly to inhibit business with competitors. Last fall, the Justice Department filed a suit against BCBS of Michigan, claiming it inhibited rivals through anticompetitive agreements with hospitals that allegedly raised healthcare costs and insurance premiums.
Read the WSJ report on Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Read other coverage about Blue Cross Blue Shield:
– Health Insurers’ Coverage Decisions Vary Widely, Often Reversed, GAO Says
– BCBS-NC Makes Some Changes to Spinal Fusion Policy
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.