top of page
Writer's pictureSamantha Suchy

Navigating the Landscape of Current Healthcare Class Action Settlements



Blazing Trails: MCAG’s Enduring Legacy in Healthcare Class Action Settlements


Amidst the intricate landscape in healthcare, class action litigation has emerged as a critical tool preserving the rights and interests of providers and subscribers in an ever-evolving industry. MCAG, the industry’s most experienced and proven class action settlement recovery company, continues to provide research, settlement navigation, and filing services for those affected by healthcare class actions.


MCAG maintains a distinguished legacy, deeply rooted in the healthcare sector since its origination in 2003 when it launched as a national consulting practice focusing on managed care payer audits. In 2004, MCAG shifted its focus to consulting within the class action field, utilizing its audit expertise to collaborate with the AMA.


Over the years, MCAG has diligently helped its clients navigate the legal landscape, marked by a consistent participation in numerous healthcare class action settlements, including settlements with CIGNA, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and most notably UnitedHealthcare, where MCAG captured over 50% of the net settlement funds on behalf of its clients.


Empowering MCAG to navigate the complexities of the industry, MCAG’s Research Team meticulously monitors, identifies, and analyzes opportunities within the market, keeping a watchful eye on industry trends. Our team remains ahead of the curve, and our strategic insights allow MCAG clients to devote their valuable time and resources to their core business.


In addition to MCAG’s research capabilities, a vast network of partners associated with the Health Information Technology (HIT) industry, allows MCAG access to data to maximize claim value and enhance the settlement outcomes for our clients.


Reclaiming Value: How Healthcare Class Actions Secure Monetary Compensation for Large Groups


Class actions offer a crucial avenue for individuals and organizations to seek compensation for economic losses. They enable the consolidation of resources and limit financial risk, while providing a collective means of remedy.


In healthcare class action litigation, there are typically two distinct categories for classes: provider class actions and subscriber class actions. Provider class actions primarily involve healthcare institutions such as hospitals and individual healthcare practitioners, while subscriber class actions involve individuals or entities that receive healthcare services, including patients, consumers, or health insurance plans. While the categories are distinct, both actions focus on protecting the rights and interests of participants within the healthcare industry.


Healthcare class actions encompass a diverse range of issues and are generally categorized into the following types: Antitrust, Product Liability, Health Insurance Practices, Data Privacy & Security.


  • Antitrust: allegations of anti-competitive conduct including price-fixing and monopolization

  • Product Liability: allegations of defective medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or other healthcare products

  • Health Insurance Practices: allegations of unfair or deceptive practices of insurers (ex: denial of coverage, improper billing practices)

  • Data Privacy & Security: allegations of breaches of sensitive patient information and violation of privacy laws


As a third-party filer for businesses, MCAG specializes in antitrust healthcare class actions that typically arise from alleged anti-competitive behavior by large corporations or industry players. Anti-competitive behavior in the complex healthcare industry can create substantial harm to consumers, businesses, and providers, and the scale of the alleged violations and resulting damages can be substantial.


Charting the Course: Exploring Emerging Trends and Future Outlook in Healthcare Class Actions


As our organization continues to closely monitor developments within the healthcare industry, several significant cases have emerged and  captured our attention due to their potential to significantly impact the landscape of healthcare class actions.


  • One case MCAG is closely tracking is the Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation, a landmark case representing providers nationwide in the healthcare industry. Having already participated in the significant $2.67 billion class action settlement designated for subscribers in 2021, MCAG continues to monitor this high-profile litigation in anticipation of a settlement reached on behalf of providers.

 

  • The Generic Pharmaceuticals Antitrust Litigation is another note-worthy opportunity, spanning multiple class groups including direct purchasers (wholesalers, distributors), indirect resellers (hospitals & independent pharmacies), and end payors (consumers and health plans). Created in 2016, this case alleges generic drug-makers of all sizes conspired to cut down on the competition and keep prices of over three hundred generic drugs artificially high. Several defendants have settled as the litigation progresses.

 

  • One of the largest and most complex cases affecting healthcare participants-the National Prescription Opiate Litigation-continues its pursuit against drug manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, and other players within the pharmaceutical industry, for their alleged role in sparking the opioid epidemic. Nationwide and state-specific settlements have been reached with many of the large defendants, moving the case closer to litigating on behalf of private plaintiffs including hospitals, health plans, and patients. 

 

Stay informed as lawsuits regarding alleged monopolization of Private Equity acquired practices, DIR Fees, TPA Services, and underpayment of out-of-network providers advance in Court.

172 views

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page