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Kentucky Attorney General Opens Investigation on Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield By Request of Total Benefits Planning Agency, Inc.

Posted on: Wednesday, 15 February 2006, 12:01 CST

Total Benefits Planning Agency, Inc. today announced that the Kentucky Attorney General's office has opened an investigative file to look into allegations it made against insurance giant Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

The investigation follows a lawsuit the employer benefits agency filed in the U.S. District Court in Cincinnati against Anthem for antitrust violations, defamation, libel, and interference with its business operations in the tri-states of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

"We called on the Attorney General to initiate a thorough investigation into Anthem's activities which we believe are unlawful and not in the best interests of Kentucky citizens," says Thomas Quigley, CEO and president of Total Benefits Planning Agency. "Anthem has not only blacklisted our company and any insurance agents who worked with us, but it is preventing consumers and employers from using our strategy which can save them thousands of dollars in health insurance premiums each year."

Quigley says he has provided the Attorney General's office with ample evidence to substantiate his company's claims and views the investigation as an important step in bringing this issue into the public light. "At the very least, we want Kentucky citizens to have the opportunity to explore alternative health care options that can save them money, rather than be forced to continue paying unnecessary high premiums."

"This is clearly a case of conspiracy that crosses state lines and runs deep within the insurance distribution channels," he explains. "Our lawsuit seeks an injunction to stop Anthem from continuing its coercion of agents and threats to cancel their contracts should they do business with the plaintiffs."

The antitrust lawsuit also seeks compensatory and punitive damages due to the loss of business opportunities, income and good will suffered by Total Benefits Planning Agency. According to Quigley, the company has seen a 50 percent drop in sales since Anthem terminated their contract last year. Anthem reasoned that--while the company's strategy was legal and substantially benefited consumers--it was not in the best interests of Anthem or the more traditional insurance agencies with whom Anthem shared profitable relations, Quigley notes.

"Consumers should not be saddled with increased premiums in order to fill corporate coffers," he adds. "They will benefit from a health insurance market that is not controlled by a few dominant companies. Anthem should have nothing to fear if they are truly looking after consumers' best interests."

Total Benefits Planning Agency, Inc. was established in 1995 by CEO/President Thomas Quigley to help business owners make informed decisions about health, disability, life, long-term care, voluntary benefits and tax planning. Headquartered in Loveland, Ohio, the agency offers a full range of health insurance and employee benefit solutions for businesses, self-employed individuals and professionals throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Massachusetts, Washington DC and Arizona.

Source: Business Wire

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