Oscar appeals decision in Florida Blue lawsuit

Insurer Oscar filed a notice of appeal Oct. 16 after a judge dismissed the startup's lawsuit against Florida Blue, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Oscar sued Florida Blue in November 2018 over its exclusive broker policy. Oscar argued the policy excludes insurance brokers who work with Florida Blue from selling policies of other insurers. Oscar claimed that Florida Blue's policy — coupled with its market dominance — allowed the insurer to effectively operate as a monopoly.

In a Sept. 20 order, United States District Judge Paul Byron sided with Florida Blue and dismissed Oscar's lawsuit. The judge wrote in his decision that "Florida Blue's efforts at enforcing a lawful contract are not coercive, regardless of the tone or tenor of the language employed by Florida Blue," according to the Orlando Sentinel.

In a statement to the publication, Florida Blue said the insurer "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."

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