Aetna pledges patient protections

Article Abstract:

Aetna US Healthcare has settled a lawsuit filed by the Texas attorney general which charged that Aetna resorted to financial incentives to encourage doctors to limit care. As part of the settlement, Aetna agreed to add some patient protection measures, including the establishment of an ombudsman program to assist consumers on complaints and appeals of treatment denials and by informing patients on how Aetna decides what care is "medically necessary."

Texas

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Consumer group suit disputes Aetna claims

Article Abstract:

Aetna U.S. Healthcare, a US-based managed care company, has been sued by consumer group the Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights for alleged illegal practices. According to the class-action suit filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Aetna, with 6.4 mil HMO patients, has defrauded its customers when it misled them about its focus on quality. Aetna, which is in the middle of merger negotiations with Prudential Healthcare, refused to comment on the lawsuit.

United States, Health maintenance organizations

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UnitedHealthcare sued under mob-busting law

Article Abstract:

Little Rock, AR-based UnitedHealth must defend itself against a lawsuit in Alabama filed by a group of doctors. The lawsuits joins at least two other cases against health insurers that are pending under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act. The plaintiffs allege that the company implemented onerous restrictions on medications and referrrals to specialists, interfered with doctors' medical judgements and hurt physician-patient relationships.

UnitedHealthcare

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