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Blue Cross Accused Of Deceptive Practices
Headline Legal News |
2009/08/03 09:10
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According to Courthouse News, a federal RICO complaint accuses Blue Cross/Anthem of a wide-ranging deceptive scheme to underpay claims from out-of-network hospitals. Methodist Hospital of Southern California claims Blue Cross refuses to let it transfer patients from emergency rooms, then underpays the hospital and sticks patients with hefty bills, claiming the patients "requested" to stay put, though it was Blue Cross that made the decision.
The scheme follows a well established pattern, according to the hospital, which quit the Blue Cross network in 2008, citing low payback rates that were "onerous and one-sided in favor of Blue Cross."
The hospital is still required by law to treat any Blue Cross patient brought to its emergency room with life-threatening injuries. After the patient is stabilized the hospital must call Blue Cross to ask if it wants the patient transferred to an in-network hospital.
In nearly every instance, the hospital says, Blue Cross refused to transfer the patient to an in-network hospital, then underpaid the Methodist Hospital for care, in wildly fluctuating amounts, sticking the hospital and the patient with an unfair financial burden. |
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New Mexico Turns Corner On Drunk Driving
Topics in Legal News |
2009/08/03 09:08
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The Los Angeles Times reports that California DUI arrests could be down, if only they copy what's been implemented just a few states away.
New Mexico, which led the nation in alcohol-related crash rates for years, in 2005 became the first state to require the interlock for every convicted drunk driver. The interlock legislation has been the centerpiece of the state's sweeping anti-drunk-driving efforts, which include more sobriety checkpoints, tougher mandatory sentencing laws for driving while intoxicated, and the creation of the nation's first DWI czar.
The initiatives have paid off.
New Mexico, home to high rates of alcohol abuse and miles and miles of open road, is now ranked 25th in alcohol-related fatal crash rates and is expected to place lower when the latest rankings are compiled later this year. From 2004 to 2008, the number of DWI fatalities here dropped 35%, from 219 to 143.
If you're looking for a DUI defense attorney, turn to Los Angeles DUI lawyer Michael Bialys. He can help you understand why to hire a DUI defense attorney and show you how he can help. Contact him to set up a consultation. |
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Man On Riding Lawnmower Charged With DUI
Headline Legal News |
2009/08/02 14:36
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According to the Associated Press, with a revoked license because of a previous drunken-driving conviction, Dennis Cretton shouldn't drive. But authorities said that didn't stop the 49-year-old man from drunkenly driving up to a gas station for more beer -- on his yellow riding lawnmower.
Cretton was charged with felony aggravated driving under the influence after neighbors reported he was weaving in and out of traffic on his lawnmower last week.
When deputies tried to stop him,authorities said Bretton drove the mower into his home's front yard, his 12-pack of Milwaukee's Best spilling onto the ground along the way.
Pittsburgh DUI attorney Gerald B. McNamara can assist you should you ever find yourself with a DUI or DWI in Pittsburgh. This DWI lawyer will help you understand DUI law and do what it takes to clear you of the charges. Contact him today. |
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Health Insurance Whistleblower Urges Obama Health Chiefs To Join Him
Headline Legal News |
2009/08/01 13:10
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According to a news release from Consumer Watchdog, in private and public messages to federal Office of Reform chief Nancy Ann DeParle, insurance whistle-blower Wendell Potter has urged a White House presence at a Los Angeles stadium next week where medical volunteers will offer health care services to uninsured and underinsured people who can't afford to see a doctor.
The eight-day event, starting next Tuesday, is sponsored by the Tennessee-based Remote Area Medical (RAM), which was founded to provide medical aid in the Third World. The group now also sponsors mass health care events in the US, attended by thousands seeking medical care. The event at the Inglewood Forum, former home of the Lakers basketball team, is RAM's first such urban expedition.
If you are considering blowing the whistle on your company, you may want to consider a whistleblower lawyer. The Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer Mike Khouri can represent you. He is a nationally-recognized qui tam Los Angeles attorney. Set up a consultaton today. |
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