Whistleblower sues Montana Blues over alleged retaliation

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) is facing a lawsuit from its former chief marketing officer, who alleged that the insurer fired her because she reported its illegal actions, according to the Helena Independent Record. Shannon Marsden told BCBSMT's CEO and chief legal counsel that the company was providing unapproved rebates of insurance commissions to customers, which is illegal in Montana. She believes the insurer then reported the illegal conduct to the state insurance commissioner. Although Marsden said she had a contract with BCBSMT through 2012, BCBSMT fired her in December 2011. BCBSMT, however, denied Marsden's allegations. "BCBSMT complied with the terms and conditions set forth in Ms. Marsden's employment agreement. Ms. Marsden's departure from BCBSMT was not related to any alleged inappropriate conduct by it or any of its employees," the insurer said. Article