Georgia Department of Insurance Issues Consent Order in Anthem Blue Case

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Thursday, June 6th, 2019

Shortly after noon on June 5, 2019, the Department issued a Consent Order in the Anthem Blue Show Cause case. On May 10, 2019, the Commissioner issued a show-cause order requiring Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia to provide evidence and testimony at a hearing on May 29, 2019, over alleged unfair trade practices. Subsequently, that hearing was rescheduled for June 12, 2019.

In an effort to obtain an adequate remedy for impacted Georgia consumers, the Department and Anthem Blue have entered into a Consent Order, in which, Anthem Blue has agreed to extend benefits, so that Anthem Pathways X plan members can see primary care physicians and specialists at WellStar Health Systems, Inc., at an in-network rate from February 4 through December 31, 2019. Accordingly, the hearing will not be held.

Consumers should work with their insurer and doctors to ensure that they get the proper medical care and insurance coverage. In addition, the Department’s Consumer Services Division remains available to assist consumers with questions about how they may benefit from this Consent Order. You can reach Consumer Services by calling 404-656-2070. More details regarding the implementation of this Consent Order will follow as they become available.