Five HCA-affiliated hospitals in Texas are suing Independence Blue Cross, claiming the insurer's BlueCard program still leads to denied claims. The lawsuit comes despite a $2.8 billion settlement that was meant to resolve similar disputes over the program.
The hospitals argue that the BlueCard program, which handles claims for members who receive care outside their home region, remains mired in administrative hurdles. They say the red tape persists even after the settlement, leaving them to fight for payment on legitimate claims.
The case highlights ongoing friction between providers and insurers over out-of-network billing processes. While the settlement addressed past grievances, the hospitals contend the underlying issues have not been fixed.