A lawsuit that was filed against Blue Shield, the health insurance company, accuses it of wrongful practices in regard to paying for prosthetic limbs. The lawsuit was filed by two amputees whose claims for prosthetic limbs were not properly compensated by Blue Shield. The lawsuit is seeking to become a class action lawsuit so that other amputees who were similarly affected can join.
The lawsuit alleges several ways in which Blue Shield wrongfully avoids paying for expensive prosthetic limbs. Among the claims in the lawsuit is that Blue Shield purposely underpays for prosthetic leg components if those components have been provided and fitted by an out-of-network prosthetist.
According to the lawsuit, Blue Shield has a very small network of in-network prosthetists because it has very low reimbursement rates. As a result, many Blue Shield members cannot find an in-network prosthetist who will work on their artificial limb. Therefore, they are forced to seek the services of an out-of-network prosthetist. This results in the member being forced to pay large amounts of money out-of-pocket in order to receive a prosthesis.
The lawsuit alleges that Blue Shield promises to maintain an adequate network of providers under its policies and has failed to do so because of its low reimbursement rates. The lawsuit is seeking to force Blue Shield to build up a better network of prosthetists, among other things.
If you are a customer of Blue Shield and you have a prosthetic limb, and the company has failed to properly provide you with the prosthetic limb you need, you may be eligible to join this lawsuit. Call me, Conal Doyle, Los Angeles amputation attorney, at 310-385-0567. I can help. I am not only an attorney, I am also an amputee, and I understand many of the challenges you are facing. Call today to learn more.