Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Jim Beck Issues "Show Cause" Order to Blue Cross

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Tuesday, May 14th, 2019

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Jim Beck issued an order requiring Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. (Blue Cross), to appear before him to provide evidence and testimony regarding alleged unfair trade practices.

Consumers have complained that Blue Cross published misleading information during the 2019 Federal Health Insurance Exchange open enrollment period regarding Blue Cross’s individual health insurance Pathways plans and that they relied on that information to their detriment.

A copy of the Commissioner’s order can be found here.

Beck said “I am committed to protecting Georgia families. I am looking forward to hearing from both Georgia’s consumers and Anthem Blue about what transpired, particularly as it relates to WellStar patients.”

The hearing will be held at the Georgia Department of Insurance, at 2 M.L.K. Jr Drive, West Tower, 7th Floor hearing room, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

After the hearing, if the Commissioner finds that Blue Cross engaged in unfair trade practices, he may order Blue Cross to pay fines and order other relief as is warranted.

Any consumer who has concerns or believes he or she was affected by changes to Blue Cross’s Pathways plans offered during the 2019 Federal Open Enrollment period should contact the Department’s Legal Division at [email protected] or call 404-656-2060.