Hospitals join suit alleging insurer price fixing
A coalition of hospitals and health systems has joined or expanded a federal lawsuit alleging a cartel-like scheme to depress out‑of‑network reimbursements, describing a third‑party repricing firm as a 'mafia enforcer' working for major insurers including Minnetonka‑based UnitedHealth Group. The case accuses the parties of antitrust violations that harmed providers and patients by fixing prices below competitive levels; Twin Cities impact stems from UHG’s role and potential effects on local health systems and consumers.
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📌 Key Facts
- Hospitals/health systems filed or joined a federal antitrust suit alleging price fixing of out‑of‑network reimbursements
- The complaint characterizes a repricing intermediary as a 'mafia enforcer' acting on behalf of large insurers
- UnitedHealth Group is cited among the insurers implicated; UHG is headquartered in Minnetonka, affecting Twin Cities stakeholders
📚 Contextual Background
- Insurers named in the article that operate Medicare Advantage plans in Minnesota include UnitedHealth, UCare, HealthPartners, Aetna, and Blue Cross.