Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Georgia in stoush with John Oxendine

It has been alleged by the Athens based Northeast Georgia Cancer Care that the insurer had wrongly barred its group of doctors from joining its Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) network. John Oxendine ruled that there is a state law entitled "any willing provider" prohibited BCBS from rejecting an eligible health care provider's application. Oxendine said he wanted to see more doctors in their health networks not fewer as he argued "more doctors means more choices for patients".

Insurance decision could have major effects  | ajc.com

We are disappointed with today’s decision by the commissioner of insurance, which singles out Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia ... for different treatment than other insurers," she said.

Blue Cross/Blue Shield is the state's largest insurer, representing 2.7 million Georgians. Oxendine said there are many areas of the state where hospitals, physicians and specialists have been denied entry into the insurer's system, thereby limiting people's health care options

However, the ruling does not limit the company's ability to negotiate a contract. If the two sides cannot agree on a contract, Blue Cross/Blue Shield has the right to deny the application.