LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – A judge has ruled that United Healthcare can intervene in a lawsuit filed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska over the state’s planned switch to United Healthcare for health insurance.
Blue Cross had sued earlier this month, alleging improper lobbying on United Healthcare’s behalf.
Judge Steven Burns on Monday approved United Healthcare’s request to intervene.
Nebraska officials have said switching health insurance companies will save taxpayers and state employees a combined $8 million annually, so the state plans to change to United Healthcare on July 1.
Blue Cross officials have argued the change actually will cost an additional $10 million per year because of limits in the United Healthcare network.