Group sues to make La. insurers keep taking payments from federal AIDS program

NEW ORLEANS – An advocacy group has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to force insurance companies in Louisiana to take payments from a federal program that helps HIV and AIDS patients.

Lambda Legal filed the suit in a Baton Rouge federal court Thursday saying at least one insurance company is violating the Affordable Care Act by refusing to take premium payments from the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS program.

Lambda Legal earlier filed complaints with federal agencies after Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana said it would stop taking payments March 1 from unrelated third parties such as the White program.

The Louisiana Health Cooperative said it also would stop taking such payments and a third company, Vantage Health Plan, says it’s considering doing so.

Spokesman John Maginnis says Blue Cross/Blue Shield has not seen the lawsuit.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.