HEALTH

U.S. Healthcare Loses Antitrust Case: A federal jury ordered the Blue Bell, Pa.-based health-care provider to pay $1.2 million to a smaller rival that claimed the company coerced suppliers into using its services. The jury awarded compensatory damages of $200,000 and punitive damages of $1 million to Brokerage Concepts Inc. of King of Prussia, Pa. The compensatory damages would be automatically trebled under federal antitrust laws if the verdict withstands a possible appeal. U.S. Healthcare Inc., one of the largest U.S. operators of HMOs, denied the allegations. It said it only required pharmacies with more than 25 employees to offer its medical insurance coverage as an option, rather than as the exclusive provider.