business
Anthem to refund $6 million to mischarged policyholders
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted July 12, 2010
Approximately 45,000 people insured by a division of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio will receive a refund or see a credit on their monthly bill, according to a statement issued June 29 by Ohio's Dept. of Insurance.
The $6 million due to consumers is the result of an investigation triggered by policyholder complaints. Some were being charged too much; others, too little. However, those charged too little will not have to make up the difference.
"We are pleased that Anthem has cooperated with our investigation, stepped up to the plate to provide refunds or credits to policyholders and agreed that no rates will be increased in this action," said Mary Jo Hudson, director of the Dept. of Insurance.
Anthem also will reimburse the department for expenses related to the investigation and enforcement of the resulting consent order. Anthem did not admit or deny guilt as part of the settlement.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/07/12/bibf0712.htm.
