In December, US District Court Judge Federico Moreno issued an order granting an injunction preventing the judicial approval of a settlement agreement entered into between CIGNA and a certain group of physicians included in a Illinois class action. The order addressed Judge Moreno’s concern relative to the actions of CIGNA in attempting to obtain an expedited settlement outside the jurisdiction of his court and without bringing the matter before him in the multi district litigation in Miami. Today, as anticipated, the Judicial Panel for Multidistrict Jurisdiction, chaired by the Honorable William Terrell Hodges, issued an Order formally transferring the matter to Judge Moreno for inclusion in the coordinated pretrial proceedings before him. In transferring the matter, the Panel noted “[W]e remain confident in Judge Moreno’s ability to streamline pretrial proceedings in these actions, while concomitantly directing the appropriate resolution of all claims.” For the Panel’s complete Order click here, or visit our: court documents section.  For additional information concerning HMO litigation, please visit the HMO Crisis Newsroom.

In an in depth article that explores the details of the Bush Administration plan for healthcare reform, the New York Times looks at the history of Medicare and Medicaid today. In quoting several of the original architects of the programs, the article demonstrates the sweeping changes included in the Administration’s plan. The article noted “Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Democrat of Massachusetts and one of three remaining senators who were in Congress when it created Medicare, said, ‘Medicare and Medicaid are two of the most successful social programs ever enacted.’ Mr. Kennedy added, ‘Medicare is a firm commitment to every elderly American, not a profit center for H.M.O.'s and other private insurance plans.’” For the entire article, please go to www.nytimes.com. For additional information concerning HMO litigation, please visit the HMO Crisis Newsroom.