In California, Anthem Blue Cross is one of the largest health insurance carriers. Many Californians are dependent upon their health insurance policies to cover both their minor and major medical expenses. Most insurance companies usually uphold their contract with you and cover payment for the medical services that were rendered as agreed upon. However, there are times when a health insurance company decides to deny payment for treatment or raise a deductible during the course of the policy year.
In fact, in 2015, Anthem Blue Cross agreed to settle two lawsuits against them for breach of contract based on allegations that it was raising copays and deductibles anytime they desired. If this has happened to you or you believe Anthem breached your contract in another way, a practiced injury attorney can help. A Los Angeles Anthem health insurance breach of contract lawyer can fight tirelessly to see that you are awarded the compensation you deserve.
What is Breach of Contract?
An insurance policy is a contract between the insured and the carrier. Each party has their own rights and responsibilities as spelled out in a mutually agreed upon agreement, often called an insurance contract, health plan agreement, or Evidence of Coverage. Breach of this contract happens when one of the parties fails to act on something they agreed to within the contract. For the insured, it could be not paying their insurance premiums or their deductibles/copays.
For a health insurance carrier, breaching the contract could mean changing or not honoring the terms as agreed on. For example, if Anthem Blue Cross were to deny a claim that the contract says is covered, it could potentially be held liable in a court of law.
Holding Anthem Accountable in Los Angeles
Lawsuits can be a harsh reminder to insurance companies that they too have to follow the rules. Per a Class Settlement Agreement and Release into which Anthem recently entered, Anthem agreed it would no longer make changes to an individual’s health insurance plan unless there had recently been a change in laws that supports such changes. A Los Angeles Anthem health insurance breach of contract lawyer can help policyholders seek compensation if their insurance company breached its contract in any way.
Statute of Limitations for Health Insurance Claims
In California, if an insured party wishes to bring a lawsuit against a health insurance company for breach of contract, they generally have four years to file the suit, unless the plan is a group plan governed by ERISA which has its own different requirements. This is known as the statute of limitations. In addition to the statute of limitations, sometimes the insurance contract places a time limit on how long the insured has to take legal action if the contract has been broken. For more information, individuals should consult a Los Angeles Anthem health insurance breach of contract lawyer.
Seeking Assistance from a Los Angeles Anthem Health Insurance Breach of Contract Attorney
When a health insurance company does not uphold their end of an insurance agreement it can be frustrating, stressful, and disappointing. However, there is hope for a resolution. A compassionate Los Angeles Anthem health insurance breach of contract attorney aims to decrease your financial stress so that you can focus on your health and well-being.
Their goal is to help you get your health insurance company to honor their contract. You have done your part in paying your premiums and seeing the doctors they want you to see, now it is time that they stand behind their commitment to you. Call a Los Angeles Anthem health insurance breach of contract lawyer today to begin the legal process against your insurance carrier.
