Texas Government Lobby News
February 2012: United HealthCare Awarded State Contract in Texas
Blue Cross Blue Shield held the Texas held the contract to manage HealthSelect of Texas for over three decades. But in February, the contract was awarded to United HealthCare, a client of the Texas Lobby Group. The Dallas Morning news reports that United HealthCare claims it will save Texans 41 million dollars a year.
Blue Cross Blue Shield disputes those figures and claims the contract change was politically motivated. However, the Austin American Statesman has reported that employee advocate organizations have examined the award of the contract and feel the decision was made for sound reasons.
UHC will provide Texas state employees with access to their network of health care providers.
The Austin American Statesman further reports that Derrick Osobase, legislative and political director for the Texas State Employees Union, says that the Employee Retirements Services always does thorough checking before awarding such contracts.