Georgia health care insurers fined

http://www.cherokeetribune.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Ga-+health+care+insurers+fined%20&id=4245107-Ga-+health+care+insurers+fined&instance=breaking_news

November 02, 2009 09:38 AM
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia’s insurance commissioner signed a consent order directing major health insurance companies to pay a combined fine of $750,000 for delaying payments on thousands of health claims.

United Healthcare Insurance Co. and sister companies United Healthcare of Georgia Inc., American Medical Security Life Insurance Co. and Golden Rule Insurance Co. will pay the fees.

Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine says Monday “it is unfortunate that fines must be imposed to encourage compliance.”

Oxendine issued a directive in August 1999 that required all healthcare plans licensed in Georgia to submit claims every quarter.