Judge OKs Suits Against HMOs

A federal judge in Miami let lawsuits go forward that accuse Aetna Inc., Cigna Corp., Humana Inc. and other health insurers of limiting medical care in order to boost profit, though he dismissed some claims for now.

U.S. District Judge Federico Moreno threw out parts of the patient suits, yet allowed the plaintiffs to resubmit their major claims. The judge also set a July 24 hearing on whether the suits qualify for class-action status.

The split decision was a victory for health plans, said David Carter, a spokesman for Aetna, the largest health insurer.

Cigna spokesman Wendell Potter said the health insurer also was pleased by the ruling.

The suits accuse the HMOs of violating racketeering laws and a law regulating health and retirement benefits.