Out-Of-Network Hospitals In Georgia & California Sue BCBS Plans For Sending Reimbursements To Consumers

Two out-of-network hospitals are suing Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) affiliates for ignoring assignment of right to payment contracts for emergency department care signed by the BCBS affiliate members and instead sending reimbursements directly to the members. The hospitals allege that the BCBS practice imposes an unfair collection burden on the hospitals because the hospitals are required by federal law to treat and stabilize the individuals seeking treatment from the emergency room. In their complaints, the hospitals also noted that some BCBS members then failed to remit the payment to the hospitals.

The hospitals filed their . . .