Government
Illinois medical clinic antitrust suit settles
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 22, 2008
An Illinois medical clinic settled an antitrust case brought by the state attorney general over allegations the group refused new Medicaid patients in an effort to force higher payment rates.
The Dec. 4 agreement resolves claims that Carle Clinic Assn. conspired with another medical practice to boycott new Medicaid patients, forcing them to seek more expensive care in emergency departments at the state's expense. The two groups employ more than 90% of physicians in the Champaign County area.
Carle Clinic, which had implemented a freeze on new patients in 2003, agreed to provide primary care to an additional 2,850 Medicaid patients over the next three years. The group also is prohibited from turning away patients due to medical debt under the settlement, which awaits court approval. In addition, Carle will contribute $240,000 to local programs providing primary and preventive care to low-income and uninsured children and adults.
The state is still pursuing its claims against the other group, Christie Clinic. Both medical practices denied any wrongdoing.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/12/22/gvbf1222.htm.
