title: Blues plans trying to extract better deals from hospitals.
abstract: Stung by recent reports indicating that several health insurance plans sponsored by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association may be on the brink of insolvency, some Blues plans are putting the squeeze on hospitals by demanding better prices. The Blues are getting tougher with hospitals because they want to slow the increases in their customers' medical bills.
authors: P J
authors: PJ
authors: Kenkel
mesh_terms: D016361:Bankruptcy; D054598:Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Plans / Q000191:economics*; D005249:Fees and Charges; D005377:Financial Management, Hospital; D008824:Michigan; D010414:Pennsylvania