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Insurnace Companies Fined $750,000
ATLANTA (AP) Georgia's insurance commissioner signed a consent order directing major health insurance companies to pay a combined fine of $750,000 for delaying payments on thousands of health claims.
United Healthcare Insurance Co. and sister companies United Healthcare of Georgia Inc., American Medical Security Life Insurance Co. and Golden Rule Insurance Co. will pay the fees.
Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine said Monday ``it is unfortunate that fines must be imposed to encourage compliance.''
Oxendine issued a directive that required all healthcare plans licensed in Georgia to submit claims every quarter.
United Healthcare issued a statement saying it processes 97 percent of its claims within 15 days in Georgia, and 99 percent within 30 days. The statement says the settlement involves only the claims not processed within 15 days.
United Healthcare Insurance Co. and sister companies United Healthcare of Georgia Inc., American Medical Security Life Insurance Co. and Golden Rule Insurance Co. will pay the fees.
Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine said Monday ``it is unfortunate that fines must be imposed to encourage compliance.''
Oxendine issued a directive that required all healthcare plans licensed in Georgia to submit claims every quarter.
United Healthcare issued a statement saying it processes 97 percent of its claims within 15 days in Georgia, and 99 percent within 30 days. The statement says the settlement involves only the claims not processed within 15 days.
What others are saying
- And...That's great. Let's send a consent order to the government while we're at it. Their delay for Medicade payments is insane.
- Who ultimately pays for this?The cost of this fine will end up being paid by the insurance companies' customers in the form of additional fees and increased premiums.
How about mandating that this fine come directly out of funds allocated for executive bonuses or pay increases?
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