The U.S. Justice Department has expanded an investigation of Blue Cross/Blue Shield licensees’ alleged anti-competitive agreements with hospitals beyond Michigan, where it filed an antitrust lawsuit against the insurer.

Delaware state attorneys appear to have negotiated a deal permitting a public review of financial projections for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware in connection with its planned affiliation with Pennsylvania insurer Highmark Inc.

A federal judge in Pittsburgh froze an antitrust action against Highmark Inc. and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center alleging unfair competition.

The head of the U.S. Justice Department’s Antitrust Division warned health insurers May 24 that deals that expand the market share of a dominant plan will be heavily scrutinized, if not killed.

Twenty-six public entities in Ohio, including several public schools and colleges, will benefit from $9 million American International Group plans to pay to settle a lawsuit claiming violations of the state’s antitrust laws.

As part of his 2010 legislative agenda, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley wants to establish a framework in the state to develop patient centered medical homes (PCHM), a program his office says can, in part, “protect stakeholders from federal anti-trust challenges.”

Connecticut’s attorney general is calling for an end of contractual clauses by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield he feels are hurting the state’s Charter Oak Health Plan for the uninsured.