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Aetna fined for violating insurance laws in Arizona

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Nov. 16, 2009

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Aetna has been ordered to pay $256,500 in fines after a market conduct investigation by the Arizona Dept. of Insurance found the company had violated state laws around insurance claim appeals and was not paying physicians in a timely fashion. The review covered Aetna's practices from July 2004 to June 2006.

"Aetna's illegal practices directly affect their policyholders and health care providers," department Director Christina Urias said in a news release. "I am pleased that Aetna has taken responsibility for its actions and will implement appropriate procedures and practices."

Aetna spokeswoman Anjie Coplin said the company "took immediate action to resolve many of the concerns and issues that were raised during the examination process." Aetna did not admit guilt, but said it would not contest the fines.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/11/16/bibf1116.htm.

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