A class action suit by more than 2,200 doctors, targeting Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Humana, United Healthcare and other defendants, will proceed through the court system rather than being shunted into arbitration. The physicians sued the health insurers in February 2005, arguing that the health plans were violating antitrust laws by, among other actions, collectively fixing prices and refusing to negotiate reasonable reimbursement rates. Contracts for most of the doctors involved included a provision requiring arbitration of disputes, but the judge decided that under the circumstances, the arbitration requirement was "unconscionable and against the public policy." Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City has said that it would appeal the Missouri Court of Appeals, and other health insurers plan similar actions.
To learn more about the case:
- read this piece from The Kansas City Star