Insurance company Oscar Health said it will appeal a federal court's decision to dismiss its antitrust lawsuit against Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida.
Oscar challenged Florida Blue's policy of prohibiting its brokers from selling other insurers' plans. Though New York-based Oscar had support from the U.S. Justice Department, U.S. District Judge Paul Byron in Orlando dismissed the case in September, ruling that the dominant Florida health insurer's exclusive agreements with brokers are exempt from federal antitrust law.
In an announcement Tuesday, Oscar said it is "confident" that its appeal will lead to the termination of Florida Blue's broker policy.
"Oscar is committed to consumer choice and refuses to stand by as Florida Blue enforces this anti-consumer, anti-competitive policy," the company said.
In an emailed statement, Florida Blue said it will "continue to vigorously defend against this lawsuit on appeal, all the while continuing to support our contracted general agents who are striving to deliver on our mission of helping the people and communities of Florida achieve better health."