WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE - Attorneys for Humana and UnitedHealthcare have asked a state judge to order the rebidding of a contract awarded to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana to administer the HMO plan for state workers, retirees and their dependents.

Lawyers representing Blue Cross and the state Office of Group Benefits urged state District Judge Mike Caldwell on Monday to affirm the contract.

The Advocate reports the judge said he will issue a ruling Dec. 15.

Humana had held the HMO contract for 20 years. UnitedHealthcare previously held a contract with the state to administer an exclusive-provider organization plan.

Humana and UnitedHealthcare claim in lawsuits that OGB specifically stated it was seeking someone to administer the HMO "on a statewide basis." The suits contend nationwide networks were not sought.