Physicians in New York are suing UnitedHealthcare and Oxford Health Plans for what they consider to be antitrust activity. In 2004, UnitedHealthcare bought Oxford, expanding the insurer's presence in the state. Last year, doctors were informed that they either had to deal with both insurers or they could not be part of their networks, which could cost doctors many of the patients. The Medical Society of the State of New York and several additional doctors have filed suit with the state's Supreme Court, arguing that it's against the law for the health plans to require that doctors deal with both of them. Recently, Oxford Health Plans has also come under fire for alleged unethical billing practices. In an industry where patients, doctors and hospitals often clash with health plans, Oxford has garnered more complaints that most.
For more on the Oxford/UnitedHealthcare lawsuit:
- read this New York Times article