Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company et al. v. HaloMD LLC et al.

Docket No.
8:25-cv-01467
District Court
California Central

Goal

  • Award damages
  • Block defendant action
  • Vacate arbitration awards

Issues

Why this Matters:

Private insurers allege that providers and their third-party biller are abusing the No Surprises Act arbitration process to receive higher out-of-network payments in violation of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (“RICO”) Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and California’s Unfair Competition Law, among other legal requirements. The higher than expected volume of arbitration cases (including the prevalence of ineligible cases) to date and high provider win rate could raise health costs and plan premiums.

Potential Impact:

Actions that flout the intent of the No Surprises Act arbitration process through the submission of ineligible disputes could lead to higher costs and lower-quality care for patients.

News And Analysis (1)

6 Major Filings

Related Litigation

Current Status

Briefing is ongoing

Important Date

Defendants' Response to Amended Complaint Due

Legal Issues

Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (“RICO”) Act, Fraudulent Misrepresentation, Negligent Misrepresentation, California's Unfair Competition Law, Employee Retirement Income Security Act

Topic(s)

Arbitration Awards/Conduct

Date Filed
July 7, 2025
Case Type
Civil
Court Type
District Court
Court
California Central
Court Division
Southern
Plaintiff(s)
Anthem Blue Cross Life Insurance Company; Blue Cross of California d/b/a Anthem Blue Cross
Lead Counsel For Plaintiff(s)
Reed Smith LLP
Defendant(s)
Halo MD, LLC; Alla LaRoque; Bruin Neurophysiology, PC; iNeurology, PC, Los Angeles Neurological Associates, PC; N Express, PC; North American Neurological Associates, PC; Sound Physicians Emergency Medicine of Southern California, PC; Sound Physicians Anesthesiology of California, PC
Lead Counsel for Defendant(s)
Nixon Peabody LLP