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State Health Insurance Concerns in Court
(IRN) -- While wondering if his courtroom were even the right place for a dispute between health insurance companies and the state, Associate Circuit Judge Brian Otwell of Sangamon County said he was facing a "Hobson's choice." And he's ruled in favor of insurers Health Alliance and Humana for a temporary restraining order for self-insurance -- or open-access plans (OAP's) – for state employees and retirees. He denied the request as it pertains to HMO's.

In ordering the state to suspend the self-insurance awarding process, Otwell writes:

"This Court recognizes that the administrative stay herein will, without further action by (the state), result in significant disruption in the benefits enrollment period for participants in the State Insurance Plan (currently set to expire on June 17, 2011), and ultimately to the timely and orderly administration of that Plan and the benefits it provides. Such disruption, while highly regrettable, is unavoidable given the time frame presented by the circumstances of this case and by (the state's) action at the eleventh hour of the bidding process."

Lawyers for the state argued Friday that Health Alliance and Humana cannot argue any "irreparable harm," saying they simply want to see the law enforced. The plaintiffs said certainly -- that’s what it's all about!

(Illinois Radio Network)
06 11 11 by Newsroom
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