BCBS of RI pays $20M to settle corruption charges

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island will pay $20 million to avoid prosecution for the conduct of former executives who directed funds to companies run by state officials. As part of the deal, BCBS of RI admitted flat out that the executives steered $550,000 of health plan funds to officials. Between 1997 and 2003, health plan execs paid companies run by officials for varied services, including one which produced a cable-access program featuring a paid appearance by state Sen. John Celona. However, BCBS of RI won't be prosecuted if it adheres to the terms of the agreement, which also includes submitting to federal monitoring and participating in an ongoing investigation of corruption in the Rhode Island statehouse.

To find out more about the agreement:
- read this Modern Healthcare piece (reg. req.)

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