What is this lawsuit about?
This lawsuit was filed on January 6, 2015, and is pending in the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda. Plaintiff alleges that Sutter Health violated California’s Unfair Competition Law, Business & Professions Code § 17200. Sutter Health denies the allegations and denies that any of its practices were unfair or deceptive. Sutter Health asserts that its practices fully complied with all applicable laws, and it denies that Plaintiff and the Class are entitled to receive any money or other relief from Sutter Health. For more information please see FAQ 2. This lawsuit is ongoing, and the Court has not yet decided who will win or lose this case
Who is included?
The Court has certified the Class and authorized Plaintiff to represent a class comprised of: Self-funded payers that (1) are citizens of California or state and local governmental entities of the State of California and (2) compensated Sutter Health for any anesthesia services, other than conscious sedation, administered in operating rooms at its acute care hospitals at any time from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2013. A self-funded payer is an entity (such as an employer, union, or healthcare benefits trust) that funds the healthcare expenses of its employees or members, meaning that it pays for the claims submitted by healthcare provider out of its own health plan funds, as the claims are presented.
How do I participate in the Class?
If you are a Class Member, you have a choice to make now whether to remain a member of the Class and be represented by the Class Representative and by Class Counsel, or to exclude yourself. Either choice will have its consequences, which you should understand before making your decision.