The state of Illinois has removed Health Alliance from its list of retiree health contracts, as of January 2014.
Other carriers include Medicare Advantage plans with Aetna Life, Humana Health, Humana Benefit or United Healthcare. The change could, in some cases, force patients to change doctors.
Health Alliance Spokeswoman Jane Hayes says the insurer submitted a competitive bid, and can’t explain why it wasn’t included.
"I’m not sure what the recourse is, but I think it might be a futile attempt if they’ve demonstrated already that they aren’t concerned about these retirees, and those who have to change their health care providers in addition to their health care coverage,” she said.
There are 15-thousand state retirees who rely on Health Alliance.
Two years ago, Health Alliance wasn’t chosen for state or retiree health contacts, prompting legislative and court action that eventually led to its services being restored. The insurer filed a formal protest that year. but Hayes says she’s not sure that will happen again this time.
A call seeking comment from the state about the decision was not returned.
