In a lawsuit filed in federal court in New York, two Anthem BCBS members alleged they paid premiums for mental health coverage that “never existed or was grossly inadequate.”
The plaintiffs are seeking class-action status for the lawsuit to represent “many thousands” of federal employees who are members of Anthem’s federal employee health plan.
Here are three things to know:
- The plaintiffs alleged there are “almost no” mental health providers in New York who accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.
- “Grossly inaccurate” listings violate the federal No Surprises Act and federal mental health parity laws, the plaintiffs alleged.
- Lawmakers have previously expressed concern about “ghost networks” — providers listed as in network on an insurer’s website but are no longer in-network, accepting new patients or in business.
The plaintiffs requested damages and compensation and asked the judge to declare that Anthem BCBS’ actions violate federal law.
A spokesperson for Anthem BCBS told Becker’s it cannot comment on pending litigation.