No Quick Answer For UCare In Fight To Maintain Contracts
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota judge says he'll decide next week whether to give UCare more time to win back its public health plan contracts.
UCare sued state officials earlier this month, alleging the state arbitrarily cut them out during a statewide bidding process. The company is asking to halt an upcoming registration period as it seeks to maintain its foothold in the state's public program market.
Time is ticking for the Minneapolis health care provider and its 370,000 enrollees who would need to pick a new plan. Ramsey County District Court Judge Robert Awsumb said in a Friday hearing he would issue a ruling before the scheduled Sept. 4 sign-up date.
The state says its competitive bidding will save $450 million. Assistant Attorney General Scott Ikeda says UCare's proposal didn't measure up.
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