spot_imgspot_img

BlueCross BlueShield asked to reimburse $2M to state taxpayers

spot_img

(The Center Square) – North Carolina Treasurer Dale Folwell wants insurance company BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina to reimburse the state for $2 million in legal fees spent defending a lawsuit filed by the company.

BlueCross sued the state after the board of the North Carolina State Health Plan in December 2022 chose another company, Aetna, to administer the state employee health plan, Folwell said.

“From the beginning, it was clear that the plan and its board performed a well-reasoned, high integrity and correct procurement process,” Folwell wrote in a letter to BlueCross.

A court ruled in favor of the state’s decision, but North Carolina had to spend more than $2 million in legal fees to outside counsel, Folwell said.

“Therefore, I demand that you finally take responsibility and repay the people of North Carolina for the cost of your failed attempt to overturn our lawful procurement process,” Folwell wrote.

In a news conference Tuesday, Folwell said he has “no idea how BlueCross is going to respond to this,” because the company has been “unpredictable” since losing the contract.

The Center Square was unsuccessful getting comment from BlueCross BlueShield on Folwell’s request prior to publication.

The lawsuit had the potential for creating uncertainty among state employees over their health-care coverage, Folwell added.

“Once the judge’s ruling came down, they chose not to appeal,” the treasurer said of Blue Cross.

In his letter, Folwell demands payment within 30 days.

He said he will consult state lawyers about the next steps to take if BlueCross does not respond to demand.

Folwell is leaving office in January after two four-year terms in the position and will be replaced by fellow Republican Brad Briner. Folwell ran for governor earlier this year but lost in the primary to Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who lost to Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Ohio’s bathroom bill easily clears Senate

(The Center Square) – The Ohio Senate passed legislation...

Michigan opioid overdose deaths drop faster than national average

(The Center Square) – The Michigan Department of Health...

Illinois lawmakers discuss bill prohibiting carbon capture near major water source

(The Center Square) – Legislation to prohibit carbon capture...

Colorado Parks and Wildlife holding meetings over controversial gray wolf releases

(The Center Square) – Parks and Wildlife have started...

Judge in fake electors case recuses himself following allegations of political bias

(The Center Square) – Maricopa County Superior Court Judge...

Trump taps Matt Gaetz as attorney general, Tulsi Gabbard as Intelligence official

(The Center Square) – President-Elect Donald Trump named two...

More like this
Related

Ohio’s bathroom bill easily clears Senate

(The Center Square) – The Ohio Senate passed legislation...

Michigan opioid overdose deaths drop faster than national average

(The Center Square) – The Michigan Department of Health...

Judge blocks implementation of Ten Commandments law, Murrill promises to appeal

(The Center Square) — A federal judge blocked a...