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EXHIBIT 99.6
BLUE CROSS LICENSE AGREEMENT
This agreement by and between Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
("BCBSA") and The Blue Cross Plan, known as WellPoint Health Networks Inc. (the
"Plan").
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS, the Plan and/or its predecessor(s) in interest (collectively the
"Plan") had the right to use the BLUE CROSS and BLUE CROSS Design service marks
(collectively the "Licensed Marks") for health care plans in its service area,
which was essentially local in nature;
WHEREAS, the Plan was desirous of assuring nationwide protection of the
Licensed Marks, maintaining uniform quality controls among Plans, facilitating
the provision of cost effective health care services to the public and otherwise
benefiting the public;
WHEREAS, to better attain such ends, the Plan and the predecessor of BCBSA
in 1972 simultaneously executed the BCA License Agreement (s) and the Ownership
Agreement; and
WHEREAS, BCBSA and the Plan desire to supercede said Agreement(s) to
reflect their current practices and to assure the continued integrity of the
Licensed Marks and of the BLUE CROSS system;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
agreements hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration,
the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree
as follows:
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AGREEMENT
1. BCBSA hereby grants to the Plan, upon the terms and conditions of this
License Agreement, the right to use BLUE CROSS in its trade and/or corporate
name (the "Licensed Name"), and the right to use the Licensed Marks, in the
sale, marketing and administration of health care plans and related services in
the Service Area set forth and defined in paragraph 5 below. As used herein,
health care plans and related services shall include acting as a nonprofit
health care plan, a for-profit health care plan, or mutual health insurer
operating on a not-for-profit or for-profit basis, under state law; financing
access to health care services; providing health care management and
administration; administering, but not underwriting, non-health portions of
Worker's Compensation insurance; and delivering health care services.
2. The Plan may use the Licensed Marks and Name in connection with the
offering of: a) health care plans and related services in the Service Area
through Controlled Affiliates, provided that each such affiliate is separately
licensed to use the Licensed Marks and Name under the terms and conditions
contained in the Agreement attached as Exhibit 1 hereto (the "Controlled
Affiliate License Agreement"); and: b) insurance coverages offered by life
insurers under the applicable law in the Service Area, other than those which
the Plan may offer in its own name, provided through Controlled Affiliates,
provided that each such affiliate is separately licensed to use the Licensed
Marks and Name under the terms and conditions contained in the Agreement
attached as Exhibit 1A hereto (the "Controlled Affiliate License Agreement
Applicable to Life Insurance Companies") and further provided that the offering
of such services does not and will not dilute or tarnish the unique value of the
Licensed Marks and Name; and c) administration and underwriting of Workers'
Compensation Insurance Controlled Affiliates, provided that each such Affiliate
is separately licensed to use the Licensed Marks and Name under the terms and
conditions contained in the Agreement attached as Exhibit 1 hereto (the
"Controlled Affiliate License.") With respect to any HMO previously sublicensed
as provided in a License Addendum between BCBSA and the Plan, the Plan shall
have one (1) year from the date hereof to obtain execution of the direct license
required herein. As used herein, a Controlled Affiliate is defined as an entity
organized and operated in such a manner that it is subject to the bona fide
control of a Plan or Plans. Absent written approval by BCBSA of an alternative
method of control, bona fide control shall mean:
A. The legal authority, directly or indirectly through wholly-owned
subsidiaries: (a) to select members of the Controlled Affiliate's
governing body having not less than 51% voting control thereof; (b)
to exercise operational control with respect to the governance
thereof; and (c) to prevent any change in its articles of
incorporation, bylaws or other governing documents deemed
inappropriate. In addition, a Plan or Plans shall own at least 51%
of any for-profit Controlled Affiliate; or
B. The legal authority directly or indirectly through wholly-owned
subsidiaries (a) to select members of the Affiliate's governing body
having not less than 50% voting control; (b) the legal ability to
prevent any change in the articles of incorporation, bylaws or other
establishing or governing documents of the Affiliate with which it
does not concur; (c) at least equal control over the operations of
the Affiliate; and (d) to concur before the Affiliate can:
AMENDED AS OF NOVEMBER 16, 1995
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1. Change its legal and/or trade name;
2. Change the geographic area in which it operates;
3. Change the types of businesses in which it engages;
4. Take any action that Plan or BCBSA reasonably believes will adversely affect
the Licensed Marks or Names.
AMENDED AS OF NOVEMBER 17, 1994
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3. The Plan may engage in activities not required by BCBSA to be directly
licensed through Controlled Affiliates and may indicate its relationship thereto
by use of the Licensed Name as a tag line, provided that the engaging in such
activities does not and will not dilute or tarnish the unique value of the
Licensed Marks and Name and further provided that such tag line use is not in a
manner likely to cause confusion or mistake. Consistent with the avoidance of
confusion or mistake, each tag line use of the Plan's Licensed Name: (a) shall
be in the style and manner specified by BCBSA from time-to-time; (b) shall not
include the design service marks; (c) shall not be in a manner to import more
than the Plan's mere ownership of the affiliate; and (d) shall be restricted to
the Service Area. No rights are hereby created in any Controlled Affiliate to
use the Licensed Name in its own name or otherwise. At least annually, the Plan
shall provide BCBSA with representative samples of each such use of its Licensed
Name pursuant to the foregoing conditions.
4. The Plan recognizes the importance of a comprehensive national network
of independent BCBSA licensees which are committed to strengthening the Licensed
Marks and Name. The Plan further recognizes that its actions within its Service
Area may affect the value of the Licensed Marks and Name nationwide. The Plan
agrees (a) to maintain in good standing its membership in BCBSA; (b) promptly to
pay its dues to BCBSA, said dues to represent the royalties for this License
Agreement; (c) materially to comply with all applicable laws; (d) to comply with
the Membership Standards of BCBSA, a current copy of which is attached as
Exhibit 2 hereto; and (e) reasonably to permit BCBSA, upon a written, good faith
request and during reasonable business hours, to inspect the Plan's books and
records necessary to ascertain compliance herewith. As to other Plans and third
parties, BCBSA shall maintain the confidentiality of all documents and
information furnished by the Plan pursuant hereto, or pursuant to the Membership
Standards, and clearly designated by the Plan as containing proprietary
information of the Plan.
5. The rights hereby granted are exclusive to the Plan within the
geographical area(s) served by the Plan on June 30, 1972, and/or as to which the
Plan has been granted a subsequent license, which is hereby defined as the
"Service Area," except that BCBSA reserves the right to use the Licensed Marks
in said Service Area, and except to the extent that said Service Area may
overlap areas served by one or more other licensed Blue Shield Plans as of said
date or subsequent license, as to which overlapping areas the rights hereby
granted are nonexclusive as to such other Plan or Plans only.
AMENDED AS OF SEPTEMBER 19, 1996
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6. Except as expressly provided by BCBSA with respect to National
Accounts, Government Programs and certain other necessary and collateral uses,
the current rules and regulations governing which are attached as Exhibit 3 and
Exhibit 4 hereto, or as expressly provided herein, the Plan may not use the
Licensed Marks and Name outside the Service Area or in connection with other
goods and services, nor may the Plan use the Licensed Marks or Name in a manner
which is intended to transfer in the Service Area the goodwill associated
therewith to another xxxx or name. Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent
the Plan from engaging in lawful activity anywhere under other marks and names
not confusingly similar to the Licensed Marks and Name, provided that engaging
in such activity does and will not dilute or tarnish the unique value of the
Licensed Marks and Name.
7. The Plan agrees that it will display the Licensed Marks and Name only
in such form, style and manner as shall be specifically prescribed by BCBSA from
time-to-time in regulations of general application in order to prevent
impairment of the distinctiveness of the Licensed Marks and Name and the
goodwill pertaining thereto. The Plan shall cause to appear on all materials on
or in connection with which the Licensed Marks or Name are used such legends,
markings and notices as BCBSA may reasonably request in order to give
appropriate notice of service xxxx or other proprietary rights therein or
pertaining thereto.
8. BCBSA agrees that: (a) it will not grant any other license effective
during the term of this License Agreement for the use of the Licensed Marks or
Name which is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Plan hereunder; and
(b) it will not itself use the Licensed Marks in derogation of the rights of the
Plan or in a manner to deprive the Plan of the full benefits of this License
Agreement. The Plan agrees that it will not attack the title of BCBSA in and to
the Licensed Marks or Name or attack the validity of the Licensed Marks or of
this License Agreement. The Plan further agrees that all use by it of the
Licensed Marks and Name or any similar xxxx or name shall inure to the benefit
of BCBSA, and the Plan shall cooperate with BCBSA in effectuating the assignment
to BCBSA of any service xxxx or trademark registrations of the Licensed Marks or
any similar xxxx or name held by the Plan or a Controlled Affiliate of the Plan,
all or any portion of which registration consists of the Licensed Marks.
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9. (a). Should the Plan fail to comply with the provisions of paragraphs
2-4, 6, 7 and/or 12, and not cure such failure within thirty (30) days of
receiving written notice thereof (or commence curing such failure within such
thirty day period and continue diligent efforts to complete the curing of such
failure if such curing cannot reasonably be completed within such thirty day
period), BCBSA shall have the right to issue a notice that the Plan is in a
state of noncompliance. Except as to the termination of a Plan's License
Agreement or the merger of two or more Plans, disputes as to noncompliance, and
all other disputes between or among BCBSA, the Plan, other Plans and/or
Controlled Affiliates, shall be submitted promptly to mediation and mandatory
dispute resolution pursuant to the rules and regulations of BCBSA, a current
copy of which is attached as Exhibit 5 hereto, and shall be timely presented and
resolved. The mandatory dispute resolution panel shall have authority to issue
orders for specific performance and assess monetary penalties. If a state of
noncompliance as aforesaid is undisputed by the Plan or is found to exist by a
mandatory dispute resolution panel and is uncured as provided above, BCBSA shall
have the right to seek judicial enforcement of the License Agreement and/or to
issue a notice of termination thereof. Except, however, as provided in paragraph
15(a)(i)-(viii) below, no Plan's license to use the Licensed Marks and Name may
be finally terminated for any reason without the affirmative vote of
three-fourths of the Plans and three-fourths of the total then current weighted
vote of all the Plans.
(b). Notwithstandng any other provision of this License Agreement, a
Plan's license to use the Licensed Marks and Name may be forthwith terminated by
the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the Plans and three-fourths of the
total then current weighted vote of all the Plans at a special meeting expressly
called by BCBSA for the purpose on ten (10) days written notice for: (i) failure
to comply with any minimum capital or liquidity requirement under the Membership
Standard on Financial Responsibility; or (ii) impending financial insolvency; or
(iii) such other reason as is determined in good faith immediately and
irreparably to threaten the integrity and reputation of BCBSA, the Plans and/or
the Licensed Marks.
(c). To the extent not otherwise provided therein, neither: (i) the
Membership Standards; nor (ii) the rules and regulations governing National
Accounts, Government Programs and certain other uses; nor (iii) the rules and
regulations governing mediation and mandatory dispute resolution, may be amended
unless and until each such amendment is first adopted by the affirmative vote of
three-fourths of the Plans and of three-fourths of the total then current
weighted vote of all the Plans.
AMENDED AS OF NOVEMBER 17, 1994
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9. (d). The Plan may operate as a for-profit company on the following
conditions:
(i) The Plan shall discharge all responsibilities which it has to the
Association and to other Plans by virtue of this Agreement and the Plan's
membership in BCBSA.
(ii) The Plan shall not use the licensed Marks and Name, or any derivative
thereof, as part of its legal name or any symbol used to identify the Plan in
any securities market. The Plan shall use the licensed Marks and Name as part of
its trade name within its service area for the sale, marketing and
administration of health care and related services in the service area.
(iii) The Plan's license to use the Licensed Marks and Name shall
automatically terminate effective ten business days after: (a) any Person,
together with all Affiliates and Associates of such Person, becomes the
Beneficial Owner of securities representing 20% or more of the voting power of
the Plan, unless such Person shall cease to be such a Beneficial Owner prior to
such automatic termination becoming effective; (b) individuals who at the time
the Plan went public constituted the Board of Directors of the Plan (together
with any new directors whose election to the Board was approved by a vote of 2/3
of the directors then still in office who were directors at the time the Plan
went public or whose election or nomination was previously so approved) (the
"Continuing Directors") cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the
Board of Directors; or (c) the Plan consolidates with or merges with or into any
person or conveys, assigns, transfers or sells all or substantially all of its
assets to any person other than a merger in which the Plan is the surviving
entity and immediately after which merger, no person or group beneficially owns
securities representing 20% or more of the voting power of the Plan: provided
that, if requested by the affected Plan prior to such automatic termination
becoming effective, the provisions of this paragraph 9(d)(iii) may be waived or
made conditional, in whole or in part, upon the affirmative vote of a majority
of the disinterested Plans and a majority of the total then current weighted
vote of the disinterested Plans.
In the event that the Plan's license to use the Licensed Marks and Name is
terminated pursuant to this Paragraph 9(d)(iii), the license may be reinstated
by BCBSA if, within 30 days of the date of such termination, the Plan
demonstrates that the Person referred to in the preceding sentence is no longer
the Beneficial Owner of securities representing 20% or more of the voting power
of the Plan.
AMENDED AS OF SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
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The Plan's license to use the Licensed Marks and Name may be terminated if any
Person, together with all Affiliates and Associates of such Person, becomes the
Beneficial Owner of securities representing 5% or more of the voting power of
the Plan and such Person's Beneficial Ownership is deemed in BCBSA's absolute
discretion, detrimental to the best interest of the Name and Marks; provided,
however that such termination shall become effective only upon the affirmative
vote of three-fourths of the disinterested Plans and three-fourths of the total
then current weighted vote of the disinterested Plans.
(iv) For purposes of paragraph 9(d)(iii), the following definitions shall
apply:
(a) "Affiliate" and "Associate" shall have the respective meanings
ascribed to such terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and
Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended and in effect on November 17, 1993 (the "Exchange
Act").
(b) A Person shall be deemed the "Beneficial Owner" of and shall
be deemed to "beneficially own" any securities:
(i) which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates or
Associates beneficially owns, directly or indirectly;
(ii) which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates or
Associates has (A) the right to acquire (whether such right is
exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time)
pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding, or
upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights,
warrants or options, or otherwise; or (B) the right to vote
pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding;
provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the
Beneficial Owner of, or to beneficially own, any security if
the agreement, arrangement or understanding to vote such
security (1) arises solely from a revocable proxy or consent
given to such Person in response to a public proxy or consent
solicitation made pursuant to, and in accordance with, the
applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the
Exchange Act and (2) is not also then reportable on Schedule
13D under the Exchange Act (or any comparable or successor
report); or
(iii) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by
any other Person (or any Affiliate or Associate thereof) with
which such Person (or any of such Person's Affiliates or
Associates) has any agreement, arrangement or understanding
(other than customary agreements with and between
AMENDED AS OF SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
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underwriters and selling group members with respect to a bona
fide public offering of securities) relating to the
acquisition, holding, voting (except to the extent
contemplated by the proviso to (b)(ii)(B) above) or disposing
of any securities of the Plan.
Notwithstanding anything in this definition of Beneficial
Ownership to the contrary, the phrase "then outstanding," when
used with reference to a Person's Beneficial Ownership of
securities of the Plan, shall mean the number of such
securities then issued and outstanding together with the
number of such securities not then actually issued and
outstanding which such Person would be deemed to own
beneficially hereunder.
(c) "Person" shall mean any individual, firm, partnership,
corporation, trust, association, joint venture or other
entity, and shall include any successor (by merger or
otherwise) or such entity.
AMENDED AS OF SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
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10. This License Agreement shall remain in effect: (a) until terminated as
provided herein; or (b) until this and all such other License Agreements are
terminated by the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the Plans and
three-fourths of the total then current weighted vote of all the Plans; or (c)
until termination of the aforesaid Ownership Agreement; or (d) until terminated
by the Plan upon six (6) months written notice to BCBSA.
11. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph 15 below or by the
affirmative vote of three-fourths of the Plans and three-fourths of the total
then current weighted vote of all the Plans, or unless this and all such other
License Agreements are simultaneously terminated by force of law, the
termination of this License Agreement for any reason whatsoever shall cause the
reversion to BCBSA of all rights in and to the Licensed Marks and Name, and the
Plan agrees that it will promptly discontinue all use of the Licensed Marks and
Name, will not use them thereafter, and will promptly, upon written notice from
BCBSA, change its corporate name so as to eliminate the Licensed Name therefrom.
12. The license hereby granted to Plan to use the Licensed Marks and Name
is and shall be personal to the Plan so licensed and shall not be assignable by
any act of the Plan, directly or indirectly, without the written consent of
BCBSA. Said license shall not be assignable by operation of law, nor shall Plan
mortgage or part with possession or control of this license or any right
hereunder, and the Plan shall have no right to grant any sublicense to use the
Licensed Marks and Name.
13. BCBSA shall maintain appropriate service xxxx registrations of the
Licensed Marks and BCBSA shall take such lawful steps and proceedings as may be
necessary or proper to prevent use of the Licensed Marks by any person who is
not authorized to use the same. Any actions or proceedings undertaken by BCBSA
under the provisions of this paragraph shall be at BCBSA's sole cost and
expense. BCBSA shall have the sole right to determine whether or not any legal
action shall be taken on account of unauthorized use of the Licensed Marks, such
right not to be unreasonably exercised. The Plan shall report any unlawful usage
of the Licensed Marks to BCBSA in writing and agrees, free of charge, to
cooperate fully with BCBSA's program of enforcing and protecting the service
xxxx rights, trade name rights and other rights in the Licensed Marks.
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14. The Plan hereby agrees to save, defend, indemnify and hold BCBSA and
any other Plan(s) harmless from and against all claims, damages, liabilities and
costs of every kind, nature and description which may arise exclusively and
directly as a result of the activities of the Plan. BCBSA hereby agrees to save,
defend, indemnify and hold the Plan and any other Plan(s) harmless from and
against all claims, damages, liabilities and costs of every kind, nature and
description which may arise exclusively and directly as a result of the
activities of BCBSA.
15. (a). This Agreement shall automatically terminate upon the occurrence
of any of the following events: (i) a voluntary petition shall be filed by the
Plan or by BCBSA seeking bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement with creditors
or other relief under the bankruptcy laws of the United States or any other law
governing insolvency or debtor relief, or (ii) an involuntary petition or
proceeding shall be filed against the Plan or BCBSA seeking bankruptcy,
reorganization, arrangement with creditors or other relief under the bankruptcy
laws of the United States or any other law governing insolvency or debtor relief
and such petition or proceeding is consented to or acquiesced in by the Plan or
BCBSA or is not dismissed within sixty (60) days of the date upon which the
petition or other document commencing the proceeding is served upon the Plan or
BCBSA respectively, or(iii) an order for relief is entered against the Plan or
BCBSA in any case under the bankruptcy laws of the United States, or the Plan or
BCBSA is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent (as that term is defined in the Uniform
Commercial Code as enacted in the state of Illinois) by any court of competent
jurisdiction, or (iv) the Plan or BCBSA makes a general assignment of its assets
for the benefit of creditors, or (v) the Department of Insurance or other
regulatory agency assumes control of the Plan or delinquency proceedings
(voluntary or involuntary) are instituted, or (vi) an action is brought by the
Plan or BCBSA seeking its dissolution or liquidation of its assets or seeking
the appointment of a trustee, interim trustee, receiver or other custodian for
any of its property or business, or (vii) an action is instituted against the
Plan or BCBSA seeking its dissolution or liquidation of its assets or seeking
appointment of a trustee, interim trustee, receiver or other custodian for any
of its property or business and such action is consented to or acquiesced in by
the Plan or BCBSA or is not dismissed within sixty (60) days of the date upon
which the pleading or other document commencing the action is served upon the
Plan or BCBSA respectively, or(viii) a trustee, interim trustee, receiver or
other custodian for any of the Plan's or BCBSA's property or business is
appointed, or (ix) the Plan shall fail to pay its dues and shall not cure such
failure within thirty (30) days of receiving written notice thereof.
AMENDED NOVEMBER 21, 1996
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(b). BCBSA, or the Plans (as provided and in addition to the rights
conferred in Paragraph 10(b) above), may terminate this Agreement immediately
upon written notice upon the occurrence of either of the following events: (a)
the Plan or BCBSA becomes insolvent (as that term is defined in the Uniform
Commercial Code enacted in the state of Illinois), or (b) any final judgment
against the Plan or BCBSA remains unsatisfied or unbonded of record for a period
of sixty (60) days or longer.
(c). If this License Agreement is terminated as to BCBSA for any reason
stated in subparagraphs 15(a) and (b) above, the ownership of the Licensed Marks
shall revert to each of the Plans as provided in the Ownership Agreement.
(d). Upon termination of this License Agreement or any Controlled
Affiliate License Agreement of a Larger Affiliate, as defined in Exhibit 1 to
this License Agreement:
(i) The terminated entity shall send a notice through the
U.S. mails, with first class postage affixed, to all
individual and group customers, providers, brokers and
agents of products or services sold, marketed,
underwritten or administered by the terminated entity or
its Controlled Affiliates under the Licensed Marks and
Name. The form and content of the notice shall be
specified by BCBSA and shall, at a minimum, notify the
recipient of the termination of the license, the
consequences thereof, and instructions for obtaining
alternate products or services licensed by BCBSA. This
notice shall be mailed within 15 days after termination
or, if termination is pursuant to paragraph 10(d) of
this Agreement, within 15 days after the written notice
to BCBSA described in paragraph 10(d).
(ii) The terminated entity shall deliver to BCBSA within five
days of a request by BCBSA a listing of national
accounts in which the terminated entity is involved (in
a Control, Participating or Servicing capacity),
identifying the national account and the terminated
entity's role therein. For those accounts where the
terminated entity is the Control Plan, the Plan must
also indicate the Participating and Servicing Plans in
the national account syndicate.
AMENDED AS OF SEPTEMBER 19, 1996
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(iii) Unless the cause of termination is an event stated in
paragraph 15(a) or (b) above respecting BCBSA, the Plan
and its Licensed Controlled Affiliates shall be jointly
liable for payment to BCBSA of an amount equal to $25
multiplied by the number of Licensed Enrollees of the
terminated entity and its Licensed Controlled
Affiliates; provided that if any other Plan is permitted
by BCBSA to use marks or names licensed by BCBSA in the
Service Area established by this Agreement, the payment
shall be multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of
which is the number of Licensed Enrollees of the
terminated entity and its Licensed Controlled Affiliates
and the denominator of which is the total number of
Licensed Enrollees in the Service Area. Licensed
Enrollee means each and every person and covered
dependent who is enrolled as an individual or member of
a group receiving products or services sold, marketed or
administered under marks or names licensed by BCBSA as
determined at the earlier of (a) the end of the last
fiscal year of the terminated entity which ended prior
to termination or (b) the fiscal year which ended before
any transactions causing the termination began.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the amount payable
pursuant to this subparagraph (d)(iii) shall be due only
to the extent that, in BCBSA's opinion, it does not
cause the net worth of the Plan to fall below 100% of
the capital benchmark formula or its equivalent under
any successor formula, as set forth in the applicable
financial responsibility standards established by BCBSA,
measured as of the date of termination and adjusted for
the value of any transactions not made in the ordinary
course of business.
(iv) BCBSA shall have the right to audit the books and
records of the terminated entity and its Licensed
Controlled Affiliates to verify compliance with this
paragraph 15(d).
AMENDED AS OF SEPTEMBER 19, 1996
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(v) As to a breach of 15 (d) (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv), the
parties agree that the obligations are immediately
enforceable in a court of competent jurisdiction. As to
a breach of 15 (d) (i), (ii) or (iv) by the Plan, the
parties agree there is no adequate remedy at law and
BCBSA is entitled to obtain specific performance.
(e). BCBSA shall be entitled to enjoin the Plan or any related party
in a court of competent jurisdiction from entry into any transaction which would
result in a termination of this License Agreement unless the License Agreement
has been terminated pursuant to paragraph 10 (d) of this Agreement upon the
required six (6) month written notice.
(f). BCBSA acknowledges that it is not the owner of assets of the
Plan.
16. This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements between the
parties with respect to the subject matter herein, and contains all of the
covenants and agreements of the parties as to the licensing of the Licensed
Marks and Name. This Agreement may be amended only by a signed writing, the form
of which shall have been approved by the affirmative vote of three-fourths of
the Plans and three-fourths of the total then current weighted vote of all the
Plans.
17. If any provision or any part of any provision of this Agreement is
judicially declared unlawful, each and every other provision, or any part of any
provision, shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding such judicial
declaration.
18. No waiver by BCBSA or the Plan of any breach or default in performance
on the part of BCBSA or the Plan or any other licensee of any of the terms,
covenants or conditions of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any
subsequent breach or default in performance of said terms, covenants or
conditions.
19. All notices provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be
sent in duplicate by regular mail to BCBSA or the Plan at the address currently
published for each by BCBSA and shall be marked respectively to the attention of
the President and, if any, the General Counsel, of BCBSA or the Plan.
AMENDED AS OF SEPTEMBER 19, 1996
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15
20. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to constitute the parties
hereto as partners or joint venturers, or either as the agent of the other, and
Plan shall have no right to bind or obligate BCBSA in any way, nor shall it
represent that it has any right to do so. BCBSA shall have no liability to third
parties with respect to any aspect of the business, activities, operations,
products, or services of the Plan.
21. This Agreement shall be governed, construed and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this License Agreement to be
executed, effective as of the date of last signature written below.
BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION
By /s/ XXXXX XXXXXX
----------------------------------
Title Sr. Vice President,
Gen. Counsel, Corp. Sec.
Date August 4, 1997
WELLPOINT HEALTH NETWORKS INC.
By: /s/ XXXXXXX X. XXXXXXXXX
---------------------------------
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Date: August 1, 1997
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EXHIBIT 1
BLUE CROSS
AFFILIATE LICENSE AGREEMENT
This Agreement by and among Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
("BCBSA") and __________________ ("Affiliate"), an affiliate of the Blue Cross
Plan(s), known as _______________________ ("Plan"), which is also a Party
signatory hereto.
WHEREAS, BCBSA is the owner of the BLUE CROSS and BLUE CROSS
Design service marks;
WHEREAS, Plan and Affiliate desire that the latter be entitled to use the
BLUE CROSS and BLUE CROSS Design service marks (collectively the "Licensed
Marks") as service marks and be entitled to use the term BLUE CROSS in a trade
name ("Licensed Name");
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements
hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt
and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as
follows:
1. GRANT OF LICENSE
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, BCBSA hereby grants
to Affiliate the right to use the Licensed Marks and Name in connection with,
and only in connection with: (i) health care plans and related services and
administering the non-health portion of workers' compensation insurance, and
(ii) underwriting the indemnity portion of workers' compensation insurance,
provided that Affiliate's total premium revenue comprises less than 15 percent
of the sponsoring Plan's net subscription revenue.
This grant of rights is non-exclusive and is limited to the Service Area served
by the Plan. Affiliate may not use the Licensed Marks and Name in its legal name
and may use the Licensed Marks and Name in its Trade Name only with the prior
consent of BCBSA.
2. QUALITY CONTROL
A. Affiliate agrees to use the Licensed Marks and Name only in
connection with the licensed services and further agrees to be bound by the
conditions regarding quality control shown in attached Exhibit A as they may be
amended by BCBSA from time-to-time.
17
B. Affiliate agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state and
local laws.
C. Affiliate agrees that it will provide on an annual basis (or more
often if reasonably required by Plan or by BCBSA) a report or reports to Plan
and BCBSA demonstrating Affiliate's compliance with the requirements of this
Agreement including but not limited to the quality control provisions of this
paragraph and the attached Exhibit A.
D. Affiliate agrees that Plan and/or BCBSA may, from time-to-time, upon
reasonable notice, review and inspect the manner and method of Affiliate's
rendering of service and use of the Licensed Marks and Name.
E. As used herein, an Affiliate is defined as an entity organized and
operated in such a manner, that it meets the following requirements:
(1) If the Plan has 50 percent of the voting control of the Affiliate:
(a) the Plan must have the legal ability to prevent any change in the
articles of incorporation, bylaws or other establishing or governing
documents of the Affiliate with which it does not concur;
(b) the Plan must have at least equal control over the operations of the
Affiliate;
(c) the Plan must concur in writing before the Affiliate can:
(i) change its legal and/or trade names;
(ii) change the geographic area in which it operates;
(iii) change the fundamental type(s) of business in which it
engages;
(iv) take any action that Plan or BCBSA reasonably believes will
adversely affect the Licensed Marks and Name.
(2) If the Plan has more than 50 percent voting control of the Affiliate:
(a) the Plan must have the legal ability to prevent any change in the
articles of incorporation, bylaws or other establishing or governing
documents of the Affiliate with which it does not concur;
18
(b) the Plan must have control over the policy and operations of the
Affiliate.
3. SERVICE XXXX USE
A. Affiliate shall at all times make proper service xxxx use of the
Licensed Marks and Name, including but not limited to use of such symbols or
words as BCBSA shall specify to protect the Licensed Marks and Name and shall
comply with such rules (generally applicable to Affiliates licensed to use the
Licensed Marks and Name) relative to service xxxx use, as are issued from
time-to-time by BCBSA. Affiliate recognizes and agrees that all use of the
Licensed Marks and Name by Affiliate shall inure to the benefit of BCBSA.
B. Affiliate may not directly or indirectly use the Licensed Marks and
Name in a manner that transfers or is intended to transfer in the Service Area
the goodwill associated therewith to another xxxx or name, nor may Affiliate
engage in activity that may dilute or tarnish the unique value of the Licensed
Marks and Name.
C. If Affiliate meets the standards of 2E(1) but not 2E(2) above and
any of Affiliate's advertising or promotional material is reasonably determined
by BCBSA and/or the Plan to be in contravention of rules and regulations
governing the use of the Licensed Marks and Name, Affiliate shall for ninety
(90) days thereafter obtain prior approval from BCBSA of advertising and
promotional efforts using the Licensed Marks and Name, approval or disapproval
thereof to be forthcoming within five (5) business days of receipt of same by
BCBSA or its designee. In all advertising and promotional efforts, Affiliate
shall observe the Service Area limitations applicable to Plan.
D. Affiliate shall use its best efforts in the Service Area to promote
and build the value of the Licensed Marks and Name.
4. SUBLICENSING AND ASSIGNMENT
Affiliate shall not sublicense, transfer, hypothecate, sell, encumber or
mortgage, by operation of law or otherwise, the rights granted hereunder and any
such act shall be voidable at the sole option of Plan or BCBSA. This Agreement
and all rights and duties hereunder are personal to Affiliate.
5. INFRINGEMENT
Affiliate shall promptly notify Plan and Plan shall promptly notify BCBSA
of any suspected acts of infringement, unfair competition or passing off that
may occur in relation to the Licensed Marks and Name. Affiliate shall not be
entitled
19
to require Plan or BCBSA to take any actions or institute any proceedings to
prevent infringement, unfair competition or passing off by third parties.
Affiliate agrees to render to Plan and BCBSA, without charge, all reasonable
assistance in connection with any matter pertaining to the protection of the
Licensed Marks and Name by BCBSA.
6. LIABILITY INDEMNIFICATION
Affiliate and Plan hereby agree to save, defend, indemnify and hold BCBSA
harmless from and against all claims, damages, liabilities and costs of every
kind, nature and description (except those arising solely as a result of BCBSA's
negligence) that may arise as a result of or related to Affiliate's rendering of
services under the Licensed Marks and Name.
7. LICENSE TERM
A. Except as otherwise provided herein, the license granted by this
Agreement shall remain in effect for a period of one (1) year and shall be
automatically extended for additional one (1) year periods upon evidence
satisfactory to the Plan and BCBSA that Affiliate meets the then applicable
quality control standards.
B. This Agreement and all of Affiliate's rights hereunder shall
immediately terminate without any further action by any party or entity in the
event that Plan ceases to be authorized to use the Licensed Marks and Name.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, this license
to use the Licensed Marks and Name may be forthwith terminated by the Plan or
the affirmative vote of the majority of the Board of Directors of BCBSA present
and voting at a special meeting expressly called by BCBSA for the purpose on ten
(10) days written notice for: (1) failure to comply with any applicable minimum
capital or liquidity requirement under the quality control standards of this
Agreement; or (2) failure to comply with the "Organization and Governance"
quality control standard of this Agreement; or (3) impending financial
insolvency; or (4) for a Smaller Affiliate (as defined in Exhibit A), failure to
comply with any of the applicable requirements of Standards 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 of
attached Exhibit A; or (5) such other reason as is determined in good faith
immediately and irreparably to threaten the integrity and reputation of BCBSA,
the Plans, any other licensee including Affiliate and/or the Licensed Marks and
Name.
20
D. Except as otherwise provided in Paragraphs 7(B), 7(C) or 7(E)
herein, should Affiliate fail to comply with the provisions of this Agreement
and not cure such failure within thirty (30) days of receiving written notice
thereof (or commence a cure within such thirty day period and continue diligent
efforts to complete the cure if such curing cannot reasonably be completed
within such thirty day period) BCBSA or the Plan shall have the right to issue a
notice that the Affiliate is in a state of noncompliance. If a state of
noncompliance as aforesaid is undisputed by the Affiliate or is found to exist
by a mandatory dispute resolution panel and is uncured as provided above, BCBSA
shall have the right to seek judicial enforcement of the Agreement or to issue a
notice of termination thereof. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this
Agreement, any disputes as to the termination of this License pursuant to
Paragraphs 7(B), 7(C) or 7(E) of this Agreement shall not be subject to
mediation and mandatory dispute resolution. All other disputes between BCBSA,
the Plan and/or Affiliate shall be submitted promptly to mediation and mandatory
dispute resolution. The mandatory dispute resolution panel shall have authority
to issue orders for specific performance and assess monetary penalties. Except,
however, as provided in Paragraphs 7(B) and 7(E) of this Agreement, this license
to use the Licensed Marks and Name may not be finally terminated for any reason
without the affirmative vote of a majority of the present and voting members of
the Board of Directors of BCBSA.
E. This Agreement and all of Affiliate's rights hereunder shall
immediately terminate without any further action by any party or entity in the
event that:
(1) Affiliate shall no longer comply with item 2(E) above;
(2) Appropriate dues, royalties and other payments for Affiliate
pursuant to paragraph 9 hereof, which are the royalties for this License
Agreement, are more than sixty (60) days in arrears to BCBSA; or
(3) Any of the following events occur: (i) a voluntary petition shall be
filed by Affiliate seeking bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement with
creditors or other relief under the bankruptcy laws of the United States or any
other law governing insolvency or debtor relief, or (ii) an involuntary petition
or proceeding shall be filed against Affiliate seeking bankruptcy,
reorganization, arrangement with creditors or other relief under the bankruptcy
laws of the United States of any other law governing insolvency or debtor relief
and such petition or proceeding is consented to or acquiesced in by Affiliate or
is not dismissed within sixty (60) days of the date upon which it was filed, or
(iii) an order for relief is entered against Affiliate in any case under the
bankruptcy laws of the United States, or Affiliate is adjudged bankrupt or
insolvent as those terms are defined in the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted
in the State of Illinois
21
by any court of competent jurisdiction, or (iv) Affiliate makes a general
assignment of its assets for the benefit of creditors, or (v) the Department of
Insurance or other regulatory agency assumes control of Affiliate or delinquency
proceedings (voluntary or involuntary) are instituted, or (vi) an action is
brought by Affiliate seeking its dissolution or liquidation of its assets or
seeking the appointment of a trustee, interim trustee, receiver or other
custodian for any of its property or business, or (vii) an action is instituted
against Affiliate seeking its dissolution or liquidation of its assets or
seeking the appointment of a trustee, interim trustee, receiver or other
custodian for any of its property or business and such action is consented to or
acquiesced in by Affiliate or is not dismissed within sixty (60) days of the
date upon which it was instituted, or (viii) a trustee, interim trustee,
receiver or other custodian for any of Affiliate's property or business is
appointed.
F. Upon termination of this Agreement for cause or otherwise, Affiliate
agrees that it shall immediately discontinue all use of the Licensed Marks and
Name, including any use in its trade name.
G. Upon termination of this Agreement, Affiliate shall immediately
notify all of its customers that it is no longer a licensee of BCBSA and, if
directed by the Association's Board of Directors, shall provide instruction on
how the customer can contact BCBSA or a designated licensee to obtain further
information on securing coverage. The notification required by this paragraph
shall be in writing and in a form approved by BCBSA. The BCBSA shall have the
right to audit the terminated entity's books and records to verify compliance
with this paragraph.
H. In the event that the Plan has more than 50 percent voting control
of the Affiliate under Paragraph 2(E)(2) above and is a Larger Affiliate (as
defined in Exhibit A), then the vote called for in Paragraphs 7(C) and 7(D)
above shall require the affirmative vote of three-fourths of the Blue Cross
Plans which are Regular Members of BCBSA and three-fourths of the total then
current weighted vote of all the Blue Cross Plans which are Regular Member Plans
of BCBSA.
8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The parties agree that any disputes between them or between or among
either of them and one or more Plans or Affiliates of Plans that use in any
manner the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Marks and Name are subject to the
Mediation and Mandatory Dispute Resolution process attached to and made a part
of Plan's License from BCBSA to use the Licensed Marks and Name as Exhibits 5,
5A and 5B as amended from time-to-time, which documents are incorporated herein
by reference as though fully set forth herein.
22
9. LICENSE FEE
Affiliate will pay to BCBSA a fee for this License determined pursuant to
the formula(s) set forth in Exhibit B.
10. JOINT VENTURE
Nothing contained in the Agreement shall be construed as creating a joint
venture, partnership, agency or employment relationship between Plan and
Affiliate or between either and BCBSA.
11. NOTICES AND CORRESPONDENCE
Notices regarding the subject matter of this Agreement or breach or
termination thereof shall be in writing and shall be addressed in duplicate to
the last known address of each other party, marked respectively to the attention
of its President and, if any, its General Counsel.
12. COMPLETE AGREEMENT
This Agreement contains the complete understandings of the parties in
relation to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may only be amended by a
writing executed by all parties hereto or by the vote of three-fourths of the
Plans and three-fourths of the total then current weighted vote of all the
Plans.
13. SEVERABILITY
If any term of this Agreement is held to be unlawful by a court of
competent jurisdiction, such findings shall in no way affect the remaining
obligations of the parties hereunder and the court may substitute a lawful term
or condition for any unlawful term or condition so long as the effect of such
substitution is to provide the parties with the benefits of this Agreement.
14. NONWAIVER
No waiver by BCBSA of any breach or default in performance on the part of
Affiliate or any other licensee of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of
this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach or default in
performance of said terms, covenants or conditions.
23
THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY BLANK.
24
15. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in
accordance with, the laws of the State of Illinois.
16. HEADINGS
The headings inserted in this agreement are for convenience only and shall
have no bearing on the interpretation hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this License Agreement to be
executed and effective as of the date of last signature written below.
AFFILIATE _______________________________
By:______________________________________
Date:____________________________________
PLAN ____________________________________
By:______________________________________
Date:____________________________________
BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION
By:_______________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
25
EXHIBIT A
AFFILIATE LICENSE STANDARDS
June 1996
PREAMBLE
The standards for licensing affiliates are established by BCBSA and are subject
to change from time-to-time upon the affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) of
the Plans and three-fourths (3/4) of the total weighted vote. Each licensed Plan
is required to use a standard affiliate license form provided by BCBSA and to
cooperate fully in assuring that the licensed affiliate maintains compliance
with the license standards.
The Affiliate License provides a flexible vehicle to accommodate the potential
range of health and workers' compensation related products and services Plan
affiliates provide. The Affiliate License collapses former health affiliate
licenses (HCC, HMO, PPO, TPA, and IDS) into a single license using the following
business-based criteria to provide a framework for license standards:
- Percent of affiliate controlled by parent: Greater than 50 percent or 50
percent?
- Risk assumption: yes or no?
- Medical care delivery: yes or no?
- Importance of the affiliate to the parent: If the affiliate has health or
workers' compensation administration business, does such business
constitute 15 percent or more (referred to as a "larger" affiliate) of the
parent's and other licensed health subsidiaries' contract enrollment?
26
EXHIBIT A (CONTINUED)
For purposes of definition:
- A "smaller affiliate:" (1) comprises less than fifteen percent (15%) of
Plan's and its licensed affiliates' total contract enrollment (as reported
on the BCBSA Quarterly Enrollment Report, excluding rider and freestanding
coverage, and treating an entity seeking licensure as licensed);* or (2)
underwrites the indemnity portion of workers' compensation insurance and
has total premium revenue less than 15 percent of the sponsoring Plan's
net subscription revenue.
- A "larger affiliate" comprises fifteen percent (15%) or more of Plan's and
its licensed affiliates' total contract enrollment (as reported on the
BCBSA Quarterly Enrollment Report, excluding rider and freestanding
coverage, and treating an entity seeking licensure as licensed.)*
Conversion to the new license shall be:
- For smaller affiliates:
- immediately for new applicants, and
- January 1, 1996 for existing HMO, PPO, TPA and IDS licensees under
fifteen percent (15%).
- For larger affiliates:
- immediately for new applicants,
- July 1, 1995 for existing health coverage carrier licensees, and -
June 1996, for all other currently licensed affiliates presently at
or over fifteen percent(15%).
Changes in affiliate status:
If ANY affiliate's status changes regarding: its Plan ownership level, its risk
acceptance or direct delivery of medical care, the affiliate shall notify BCBSA
within thirty (30) days of such occurrence in writing and come into compliance
with the applicable standards within six (6) months.
If a smaller affiliate's health and workers' compensation administration
business surpasses fifteen percent (15%) of the total contract enrollment of the
Plan and licensed affiliates, the affiliate shall:
27
EXHIBIT A (CONTINUED)
1. Within thirty (30) days, notify BCBSA of this fact in writing, including
evidence that the affiliate meets the minimum liquidity and capital (BCBSA
Capital Benchmark and state-established minimum reserve) requirements of
the larger affiliate Financial Responsibility standard; and
2. Within six (6) months after surpassing the fifteen percent (15%)
threshold, demonstrate compliance with all license requirements for a
larger affiliate.
If an affiliate that underwrites the indemnity portion of workers' compensation
insurance receives a change in rating or proposed change in rating, the
affiliate shall notify BCBSA within 30 days of notification by the external
rating agency.
-----------
*For purposes of this calculation,
The numerator equals:
Applicant affiliate's contract enrollment, as defined in BCBSA's Quarterly
Enrollment Report (excluding rider and freestanding coverage).
The denominator equals:
Numerator PLUS Plan and all other licensed affiliates' contract enrollment, as
reported in BCBSA's Quarterly Enrollment Report (excluding rider and
freestanding coverage).
28
EXHIBIT A (CONTINUED)
STANDARDS FOR LICENSED AFFILIATES
THIS PAGE WAS PREPARED IN DESKTOP
29
EXHIBIT A (CONTINUED)
STANDARD 1 - ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE
1A.) The Standard for more than 50% Plan ownership is:
An affiliate shall be organized and operated in such a manner that it is
controlled by a licensed Plan or Plans which have, directly or indirectly: 1)
more than 50% of the voting control of the affiliate; and 2) the legal ability
to prevent any change in the articles of incorporation, bylaws or other
establishing or governing documents of the affiliate with which it does not
concur; and 3) operational control of the affiliate.
1B.) The Standard for 50% Plan ownership is:
An affiliate shall be organized and operated in such a manner that a licensed
Plan or Plans have directly or indirectly:
1) not less than 50% of the voting control of the affiliate; and
2) the legal ability to prevent any change in the articles of incorporation,
bylaws or other establishing or governing documents of the affiliate with
which it does not concur; and
3) at least equal direct or indirect control over the operations of the
affiliate; and
4) sufficient authority so that changes in the following require the approval
of the Licensed Plan or Plans:
- geographic operating area of the affiliate
- the legal and trade names of the affiliate
- the types of activity in which the affiliate engages
- any action which would cause the affiliate to be in violation of the
Standards applicable to Licensure by BCBSA.
30
EXHIBIT A (CONTINUED)
STANDARD 2 - FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
An affiliate shall be operated in a manner that provides reasonable financial
assurance that it can fulfill all of its contractual obligations to its
customers. If a risk-assuming affiliate ceases operations for any reason, Blue
Cross and/or Blue Shield Plan coverage will be offered to all affiliate
subscribers without exclusions, limitations or conditions based on health
status. If a nonrisk-assuming affiliate ceases operations for any reason,
sponsoring Plan(s) will provide for services to its (their) customers.
STANDARD 3 - STATE LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
3A.) The Standard for an affiliate that employs, owns or contracts on a
substantially exclusive basis for medical services is:
An affiliate shall maintain unimpaired licensure or certification for its
medical care providers to operate under applicable state laws.
3B.) The Standard for an affiliate that does not employ, own or
contract on a substantially exclusive basis for medical services
is:
An affiliate shall maintain unimpaired licensure or certification to operate
under applicable state laws.
STANDARD 4 - CERTAIN DISCLOSURES
An affiliate shall make adequate disclosure in contracting with third
parties and in disseminating public statements of 1) the structure of
the Blue Cross and Blue Shield System; and 2) the independent nature of
every licensee; and 3) the affiliate's financial condition.
STANDARD 5 - REPORTS AND RECORDS FOR CERTAIN SMALLER AFFILIATES
For a smaller affiliate that does not underwrite the indemnity portion of
workers' compensation insurance, the Standard is:
An affiliate and/or its licensed Plan(s) shall furnish, on a timely and accurate
basis, reports and records relating to these Standards and the License
Agreements between BCBSA and affiliate.
31
EXHIBIT A (CONTINUED)
STANDARD 6 - OTHER STANDARDS FOR LARGER AFFILIATES
Standards 6(A) - (I) that follow apply to larger affiliates.
Standard 6(A): Board of Directors
An affiliate Governing Board shall act in the interest of its Corporation in
providing cost-effective health care services to its customers. An affiliate
shall maintain a governing Board, which shall control the affiliate, composed of
a majority of persons other than providers of health care services, who shall be
known as public members. A public member shall not be an employee of or have a
financial interest in a health care provider, nor be a member of a profession
which provides health care services.
Standard 6(B): Responsiveness to Customers
An affiliate shall be operated in a manner responsive to customer needs and
requirements.
Standard 6(C): Participation in National Programs
An affiliate shall effectively and efficiently participate in each national
program as from time to time may be adopted by the Member Plans for the purposes
of providing portability of membership between the licensees and ease of claims
processing for customers receiving benefits outside of the affiliate's Service
Area.
Such programs are applicable to licensees, and include:
A. Inter-Plan Transfer Agreement;
B. National Account Equalization Program;
C. BlueCard Program;
32
EXHIBIT A (CONTINUED)
D. Inter-Plan Teleprocessing System (ITS); and
E. Inter-Plan Data Reporting (IPDR) Program.
Standard 6(D): Financial Performance Requirements
In addition to requirements under the national programs listed in Standard 6C:
Participation in National Programs, an affiliate shall take such action as
required to ensure its financial performance in programs and contracts of an
inter-licensee nature or where BCBSA is a party.
Standard 6(E): Cooperation with Plan Performance Response Process
An affiliate shall cooperate with BCBSA's Board of Directors and its Plan
Performance and Financial Standards Committee in the administration of the Plan
Performance Response Process and in addressing affiliate performance problems
identified thereunder.
Standard 6(F): Independent Financial Rating
An affiliate shall obtain a rating of its financial strength from an independent
rating agency approved by BCBSA's Board of Directors for such purpose.
Standard 6(G): Best Efforts
During each year, an affiliate shall use its best efforts in the designated
Service Area to promote and build the value of the Blue Xxxxx Xxxx.
Standard 6(H): Financial Responsibility
An affiliate shall be operated in a manner that provides reasonable financial
assurance that it can fulfill all of its contractual obligations to its
customers.
33
EXHIBIT A (CONTINUED)
Standard 6(I): Reports and Records
An affiliate shall furnish to BCBSA on a timely and accurate basis reports and
records relating to compliance with these Standards and the License Agreements
between BCBSA and affiliate. Such reports and records are the following:
A) Annual Application for Renewal of Standard Affiliate License for
affiliates, including trade name and service xxxx usage material;
B) Changes in the ownership and governance of the affiliate, including
changes in its charter, articles of incorporation, or bylaws, changes in
an affiliate's Board composition, or changes in the identity of the
affiliate's Principal Officers, and changes in risk acceptance, contract
growth, or direct delivery of medical care; and
C) Quarterly Financial Report including the Capital Benchmark Worksheet,
Annual Financial Forecast, Annual Certified Audit Report, Insurance
Department Examination Report, Annual Statement filed with State Insurance
Department (with all attachments); and
D) Quarterly Utilization Report, Quarterly Enrollment Report, Cost
Containment Report, NMIS Quarterly Report.
STANDARD 7 - OTHER STANDARDS FOR RISK-ASSUMING WORKERS' COMPENSATION
AFFILIATES
Standards 7(A)-(E) that follow apply to affiliates that underwrite the
indemnity portion of workers' compensation insurance.
Standard 7 (A): Financial Responsibility
An affiliate shall be operated in a manner that provides reasonable financial
assurance that it can fulfill all of its contractual obligations to its
customers.
34
EXHIBIT A (CONTINUED)
Standard 7(B): Reports and Records
An affiliate shall furnish, on a timely and accurate basis,
reports and records relating to compliance with these Standards
and the License Agreements between BCBSA and the affiliate. Such
reports and records are the following:
A. Annual Application for Renewal of Standard Affiliate License for
affiliates, including trade name and service xxxx usage materials; and
B. Annual Certified Audit Report, Annual Statement as filed with the State
Insurance Department (with all attachments), Annual NAIC's Risk-Based
Capital Worksheets for Property and Casualty Insurers, and Annual
Financial Forecast; and
C. Quarterly Financial Report, Quarterly Estimated Risk-Based Capital for
Property and Casualty Insurers, Insurance Department Examination Report,
and Quarterly NMIS Report (for licensed health business only); and
D. Notification of all changes and proposed changes to independent ratings
within 30 days of receipt and submission of a copy of all rating reports;
and
E. Changes in the ownership and governance of the affiliate including changes
in its charter, articles of incorporation, or bylaws, changes in an
affiliate's Board composition, Plan control, state license status,
operating area, the affiliate's Principal Officers or direct delivery of
medical care.
Standard 7(C): Loss Prevention
An affiliate shall apply loss prevention protocol to both new and existing
business.
35
EXHIBIT A (CONTINUED)
Standard 7(D): Claims Administration
An affiliate shall maintain an effective claims administration process that
includes all the necessary functions to assure prompt and proper resolution of
medical and indemnity claims.
Standard 7(E): Disability and Provider Management
An affiliate shall arrange for the provision of appropriate and necessary
medical and rehabilitative services to facilitate early intervention by medical
professionals and timely and appropriate return to work.
STANDARD 8 - COOPERATION WITH AFFILIATE LICENSE PERFORMANCE RESPONSE
PROCESS PROTOCOL
An affiliate and its Sponsoring Plan(s) shall cooperate with BCBSA's Board of
Directors and its Plan Performance and Financial Standards Committee in the
administration of the Affiliate License Performance Response Process Protocol
(ALPRPP) and in addressing affiliate compliance problems identified thereunder.
STANDARD 9: PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL PROGRAMS BY SMALLER AFFILIATES
A smaller affiliate for which this standard applies pursuant to the Preamble
section of Exhibit A of the Affiliate License Agreement shall effectively and
efficiently participate in certain national programs from time to time as may be
adopted by Member Plans for the purposes of providing ease of claims processing
for customers receiving benefits outside of the affiliate's service area and be
subject to certain relevant financial and reporting requirements.
36
EXHIBIT B
ROYALTY FORMULA FOR SECTION 9 OF THE
AFFILIATE LICENSE AGREEMENT
Affiliate will pay BCBSA a fee for this license in accordance with the following
formula:
FOR RISK PRODUCTS:
For affiliates not underwriting the indemnity portion of workers' compensation
insurance:
An amount equal to its pro rata share of each sponsoring Plan's dues payable to
BCBSA computed with the addition of the affiliate's subscription revenue and
contracts arising from products using the marks. The payment by each sponsoring
Plan of its dues to BCBSA, including that portion described in this paragraph,
will satisfy the requirement of this paragraph, and no separate payment will be
necessary.
For affiliates underwriting the indemnity portion of workers' compensation
insurance:
An amount equal to 0.35 percent of the gross revenue per annum of affiliate
arising from products using the marks; plus, an annual fee of $5,000 per license
for an affiliate subject to Standard 7.
FOR NONRISK PRODUCTS:
An amount equal to 0.24 percent of the gross revenue per annum of affiliate
arising from products using the marks; plus:
1) An annual fee of $5,000 per license for an affiliate subject to Standard
6.
2) An annual fee of $2,000 per license for all other affiliates.
The foregoing shall be reduced by one-half where both a BLUE CROSS(R) and BLUE
SHIELD(R) License are issued to the same affiliate. In the event that any
license period is greater or less than one (1) year, any amounts due shall be
prorated. Royalties under this formula will be calculated, billed and paid in
arrears.
37
EXHIBIT 1A
CONTROLLED AFFILIATE LICENSE AGREEMENT
APPLICABLE TO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES
This agreement by and among Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
("BCBSA") _______________________________("Controlled Affiliate"), a controlled
affiliate of the Blue Cross Plan(s), known as
_______________________________________("Plan").
WHEREAS, BCBSA is the owner of the BLUE CROSS and BLUE CROSS Design
service marks;
WHEREAS, the Plan and the Controlled Affiliate desire that the latter be
entitled to use the BLUE CROSS and BLUE CROSS Design service marks (collectively
the "Licensed Marks") as service marks and be entitled to use the term BLUE
CROSS in a trade name ("Licensed Name");
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements
hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt
and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as
follows:
1. GRANT OF LICENSE
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, BCBSA hereby grants
to the Controlled Affiliate the exclusive right to use the licensed Marks and
Names in connection with and only in connection with those life insurance and
related services authorized by applicable state law, other than health care
plans and related services (as defined in the Plan's License Agreements with
BCBSA) which services are not separately licensed to Controlled Affiliate by
BCBSA, in the Service Area served by the Plan, except that BCBSA reserves the
right to use the Licensed Marks and Name in said Service Area, and except to the
extent that said Service Area may overlap the area or areas served by one or
more other licensed Blue Shield Plans as of the date of this License as to which
overlapping areas the rights hereby granted are non-exclusive as to such other
Plan or Plans and their respective Licensed Controlled Affiliates only.
Controlled Affiliate cannot use the Licensed Marks or Name outside the Service
Area or, anything in any other license to Controlled Affiliate notwithstanding,
in its legal or trade name.
2. QUALITY CONTROL
A. Controlled Affiliate agrees to use the Licensed Marks and Name only
in relation to the sale, marketing and rendering of authorized products and
further agrees to be bound by the conditions regarding quality control shown in
Exhibit A as it may be amended by BCBSA from time-to-time.
AMENDED AS OF NOVEMBER 17, 1994
-1-
38
B. Controlled Affiliate agrees that Plan and/or BCBSA may, from
time-to-time, upon reasonable notice, review and inspect the manner and method
of Controlled Affiliate's rendering of service and use of the Licensed Marks and
Name.
C. Controlled Affiliate agrees that it will provide on an annual basis
(or more often if reasonably required by Plan or by BCBSA) a report to Plan and
BCBSA demonstrating Controlled Affiliate's compliance with the requirements of
this Agreement including but not limited to the quality control provisions of
Exhibit A.
D. As used herein, a Controlled Affiliate is defined as an entity
organized and operated in such a manner that it is subject to the bona fide
control of a Plan or Plans. Absent written approval by BCBSA of an alternative
method of control, bona fide control shall mean the legal authority, directly or
indirectly through wholly-owned subsidiaries: (a) to select members of the
Controlled Affiliate's governing body having not less than 51% voting control
thereof; (b) to exercise operational control with respect to the governance
thereof; and (c) to prevent any change in its articles of incorporation, bylaws
or other governing documents deemed inappropriate. In addition, a Plan or Plans
shall own at least 51% of any for-profit Controlled Affiliate. If the Controlled
Affiliate is a mutual company, the Plan or its designee(s) shall have and
maintain, in lieu of the requirements of items (a) and (c) above, proxies
representing 51% of the votes at any meeting of the policyholders and shall
demonstrate that there is no reason to believe this such proxies shall be
revoked by sufficient policyholders to reduce such percentage below 51%.
3. SERVICE XXXX USE
Controlled Affiliate shall at all times make proper service xxxx use
of the Licensed Marks, including but not limited to use of such symbols or words
as BCBSA shall specify to protect the Licensed Marks, and shall comply with such
rules (applicable to all Controlled Affiliates licensed to use the Marks)
relative to service xxxx use, as are issued from time-to-time by BCBSA. If there
is any public reference to the affiliation between the Plan and the Controlled
Affiliate, all of the Controlled Affiliate's licensed services in the Service
Area of the Plan shall be rendered under the Licensed Marks. Controlled
Affiliate recognizes and agrees that all use of the Licensed Marks by Controlled
Affiliate shall inure to the benefit of BCBSA.
4. SUBLICENSING AND ASSIGNMENT
Controlled Affiliate shall not sublicense, transfer, hypothecate,
sell, encumber or mortgage, by operation of law or otherwise, the rights granted
hereunder and any such act shall be
-2-
39
voidable at the option of Plan or BCBSA. This Agreement and all rights and
duties hereunder are personal to Controlled Affiliate.
5. INFRINGEMENTS
Controlled Affiliate shall promptly notify Plan and BCBSA of any
suspected acts of infringement, unfair competition or passing off which may
occur in relation to the Licensed Marks. Controlled Affiliate shall not be
entitled to require Plan or BCBSA to take any actions or institute any
proceedings to prevent infringement, unfair competition or passing off by third
parties. Controlled Affiliate agrees to render to Plan and BCBSA, free of
charge, all reasonable assistance in connection with any matter pertaining to
the protection of the Licensed Marks by BCBSA.
6. LIABILITY INDEMNIFICATION
Controlled Affiliate hereby agrees to save, defend, indemnify and
hold Plan and BCBSA harmless from and against all claims, damages, liabilities
and costs of every kind, nature and description which may arise as a result of
Controlled Affiliate's rendering of health care services under the Licensed
Marks.
7. LICENSE TERM
The license granted by this Agreement shall remain in effect for a
period of one (1) year and shall be automatically extended for additional one
(1) year periods upon evidence satisfactory to the Plan and BCBSA that
Controlled Affiliate meets the then applicable quality control standards, unless
one of the parties hereto notifies the other party of the termination hereof at
least sixty (60) days prior to expiration of any license period.
This Agreement may be terminated by the Plan or by BCBSA for cause
at any time provided that Controlled Affiliate has been given a reasonable
opportunity to cure and shall not effect such a cure within thirty (30) days of
receiving written notice of the intent to terminate (or commence a cure within
such thirty day period and continue diligent efforts to complete the cure if
such curing cannot reasonably be completed within such thirty day period). By
way of example and not for purposes of limitation, Controlled Affiliate's
failure to abide by the quality control provisions of Paragraph 2, above, shall
be considered a proper ground for cancellation of this Agreement.
This Agreement and all of Controlled Affiliate's rights hereunder
shall immediately terminate without any further action by any party or entity in
the event that:
-3-
40
A. Controlled Affiliate shall no longer comply with Standard No. 1
(Organization and Governance) of Exhibit A or, following an opportunity to cure,
with the remaining quality control provisions of Exhibit A, as it may be amended
from time-to-time; or
B. Plan ceases to be authorized to use the Licensed Marks; or
C. Appropriate dues for Controlled Affiliate pursuant to item 8 hereof,
which are the royalties for this License Agreement are more than sixty (60) days
in arrears to BCBSA.
Upon termination of this Agreement for cause or otherwise, Controlled
Affiliate agrees that it shall immediately discontinue all use of the Licensed
Marks including any use in its trade name.
In the event of any disagreement between Plan and BCBSA as to whether
grounds exist for termination or as to any other term or condition hereof, the
decision of BCBSA shall control, subject to provisions for mediation or
mandatory dispute resolution in effect between the parties.
Upon termination of this Agreement, Licensed Controlled Affiliate shall
immediately notify all of its customers that it is no longer a licensee of the
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and provide instruction on how the
customer can contact the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association or a designated
licensee to obtain further information on securing coverage. The written
notification required by this paragraph shall be in writing and in a form
approved by the Association. The Association shall have the right to audit the
terminated entity's books and records to verify compliance with this paragraph.
8. DUES
Controlled Affiliate will pay to BCBSA a fee for this license in
accordance with the following formula:
- An annual fee of five thousand dollars ($5,000) per license, plus
- .05 percent of gross revenue per annum of Licensee arising from
group products using the Marks, plus
- .5 percent of gross revenue per annum of Licensee arising from
individual products using the Marks
The foregoing percentages shall be reduced by one-half where both a BLUE
CROSS(R) and BLUE SHIELD(R) license are issued to the same entity. In the
event that any License period is greater or less than one (1) year, any
amounts due shall be prorated. Royalties under this formula will be
calculated, billed and paid in arrears.
AMENDED AS OF SEPTEMBER 29, 1994
-4-
41
Plan will promptly and timely transmit to BCBSA all dues owed by
Controlled Affiliate as determined by the above formula and if Plan shall fail
to do so, Controlled Affiliate shall pay such dues directly.
9. JOINT VENTURE
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as creating a joint
venture, partnership, agency or employment relationship between Plan and
Controlled Affiliate or between either and BCBSA.
-4a-
(The next page is page 5)
42
10. NOTICES AND CORRESPONDENCE
Notices regarding the subject matter of this Agreement or breach or
termination thereof shall be in writing and shall be addressed in duplicate to
the last known address of each other party, marked respectively to the attention
of its President and, if any, its General Counsel.
11. COMPLETE AGREEMENT
This Agreement contains the complete understandings of the parties in
relation to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may only be amended by a
writing executed by all parties.
12. SEVERABILITY
If any term of this Agreement is held to be unlawful by a court of
competent jurisdiction, such finding shall in no way effect the remaining
obligations of the parties hereunder and the court may substitute a lawful term
or condition for any unlawful term or condition so long as the effect of such
substitution is to provide the parties with the benefits of this Agreement.
13. NONWAIVER
No waiver by BCBSA of any breach or default in performance on the part of
the Controlled Affiliate or any other licensee of any of the terms, covenants or
conditions of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach
or default in performance of said terms, covenants or conditions.
14. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in
accordance with, the laws of the State of Illinois.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this License Agreement to be
executed, effective as of the date of last signature written below.
BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION
By:_______________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
__________________________________________
Controlled Affiliate
By:_______________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
Plan:_____________________________________
-5-
43
EXHIBIT A
CONTROLLED AFFILIATE LICENSE STANDARDS
LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES
Page 1 of 2
PREAMBLE
The standards for licensing Life Insurance Companies (Life and Health Insurance
companies, as defined by state statute) are established by BCBSA and are subject
to change from time-to-time upon the affirmative vote of three-fourths (3/4) of
the Plans and three-fourths (3/4) of the total weighted vote of all Plans. Each
Licensed Plan is required to use a standard controlled affiliate license form
provided by BCBSA and to cooperate fully in assuring that the licensed Life
Insurance Company maintains compliance with the license standards.
An organization meeting the following standards shall be eligible for a license
to use the Licensed Marks within the service area of its sponsoring Licensed
Plan to the extent and the manner authorized under the Controlled Affiliate
License applicable to Life Insurance
Companies and the principal license to the Plan.
STANDARD 1 - ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE
The LIC shall be organized and operated in such a manner that it is controlled
by a licensed Plan or Plans which have, directly or indirectly: 1) not less than
51% of the voting control of the LIC; and 2) the legal ability to prevent any
change in the articles of incorporation, bylaws or other establishing or
governing documents of the LIC with which it does not concur; and 3) operational
control of the LIC.
If the LIC is a mutual company, the Plan or its designee(s) shall have and
maintain, in lieu of the requirements of items 1 and 2 above, proxies
representing at least 51% of the votes at any policyholder meeting and shall
demonstrate that there is no reason to believe such proxies shall be revoked by
sufficient policyholders to reduce such percentage below 51%.
STANDARD 2 - STATE LICENSURE
The LIC must maintain unimpaired licensure or certificate of authority to
operate under applicable state laws as a life and health insurance company in
each state in which the LIC does business.
STANDARD 3 - RECORDS AND EXAMINATION
The LIC and its sponsoring licensed Plan(s) shall maintain and furnish, on a
timely and accurate basis, such records and reports regarding the LIC as may be
required in order to establish compliance with the license agreement. The LIC
and its sponsoring licensed Plan(s) shall permit BCBSA to examine the affairs of
the LIC and shall agree that BCBSA's board may submit a written report to the
chief executive officer(s) and the board(s) of directors of the sponsoring
Plan(s).
-1-
44
CONTROLLED AFFILIATE LICENSE STANDARDS
LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES
Page 2 of 2
STANDARD 4 - MEDIATION
The LIC and its sponsoring Plan(s) shall agree to use the then-current BCBSA
mediation and mandatory dispute resolution processes, in lieu of a legal action
between or among another licensed controlled affiliate, a licensed Plan or
BCBSA.
STANDARD 5 - FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The LIC shall maintain adequate financial resources to protect its customers and
meet its business obligations.
-2-
45
EXHIBIT 2
MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS
Page 1 of 3
Preamble
The Membership Standards apply to all organizations seeking to become or to
continue as Regular Members of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Any
organization seeking to become a Regular Member must be found to be in
substantial compliance with all Membership Standards at the time membership is
granted and the organization must be found to be in substantial compliance with
all Membership Standards for a period of two (2) years preceding the date of its
application. If Membership is sought by an entity which controls or is
controlled by one or more Plans, such compliance shall be determined on the
basis of compliance by such Plan or Plans.
The Regular Member Plans shall have authority to interpret these Standards.
Compliance with any Membership Standard may be excused, at the Plans'
discretion, if the Plans agree that compliance with such Standard would require
the Plan to violate a law or governmental regulation governing its operation or
activities.
Standard 1: A Plan's Board shall not be controlled by any special interest
group, and shall act in the interest of its Corporation in
providing cost-effective health care services to its
customers. A Plan shall maintain a governing Board, which
shall control the Plan, composed of a majority of persons
other than providers of health care services, who shall be
known as public members. A public member shall not be an
employee of or have a financial interest in a health care
provider, nor be a member of a profession which provides
health care services.
Standard 2: A Plan shall furnish to the Association on a timely and
accurate basis reports and records relating to compliance with
these Standards and the License Agreements between the
Association and the Plans. Such reports and records are the
following:
A. BCBSA Membership Information Request;
B. Biennial trade name and service xxxx usage material,
including disclosure material under Standard 7;
C. Changes in the governance of the Plan, including changes
in a Plan's Charter, Articles of Incorporation, or
Bylaws, changes in a Plan's Board composition, or
changes in the identity of the Plan's Principal
Officers;
AMENDED AS OF NOVEMBER 21, 1996
46
EXHIBIT 2
MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS
Page 2 of 3
D. Quarterly Financial Report including the Plan Capital
Benchmark Worksheet, Annual Financial Forecast, Annual
Certified Audit Report, Insurance Department Examination
Report, Annual Statement filed with State Insurance
Department (with all attachments), and Consolidating
Financial Statement;
E. Quarterly Utilization Report, Quarterly Enrollment
Report, Cost Containment Report, and NMIS Quarterly
Report.
Standard 3: A Plan shall be operated in a manner that provides reasonable
financial assurance that it can fulfill its contractual
obligations to its customers.
Standard 4: A Plan shall be operated in a manner responsive to customer
needs and requirements.
Standard 5: A Plan shall effectively and efficiently participate in each
national program as from time to time may be adopted by the
Member Plans for the purposes of providing portability of
membership between the Plans and ease of claims processing for
customers receiving benefits outside of the Plan's Service
Area.
Such programs are applicable to Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Plans, and include:
A. Transfer Program;
B. National Account Equalization Program;
C. Inter-Plan Data Reporting (IPDR) Program;
D. Inter-Plan Teleprocessing System (ITS); and
E. BlueCard Program.
AMENDED AS OF NOVEMBER 21, 1996
47
EXHIBIT 2
MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS
Page 3 of 3
Standard 6: In addition to requirements under the national programs listed
in Standard 5: Participation in National Programs, a Plan
shall take such action as required to ensure its financial
performance in programs and contracts of an inter-Plan nature
or where the Association is a party.
Standard 7: A Plan shall make adequate disclosure in contracting with
third parties and in disseminating public statements of (i)
the structure of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield System, (ii)
the independent nature of every Plan, and (iii) the Plan's
financial condition.
Standard 8: A Plan shall cooperate with the Association's Board of
Directors and its Plan Performance and Financial Standards
Committee in the administration of the Plan Performance
Response Process and in addressing Plan performance problems
identified thereunder.
Standard 9: A Plan shall obtain a rating of its financial strength from an
independent rating agency approved by the Association's Board
of Directors for such purpose.
Standard 10: During each year, a Plan and its Controlled Affiliate(s)
engaged in providing licensable services (excluding Life
Insurance and Charitable Foundation Services) shall use their
best efforts in the designated Service Area to promote and
build the value of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Marks.
Standard 11: Neither a Plan nor any Larger Affiliate shall cause or permit
an unlicensed entity to obtain control of the Plan or Larger
Affiliate or to acquire a substantial portion of its assets
related to licensable services.
AMENDED AS OF SEPTEMBER 19, 1996
48
EXHIBIT 3
GUIDELINES WITH RESPECT TO USE OF
LICENSED NAME AND MARKS IN CONNECTION WITH NATIONAL ACCOUNTS
Page 1 of 3
1. The strength of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield National Accounts mechanism,
and the continued provision of cost effective, quality health care benefits to
National Accounts, are predicated on locally managed provider networks
coordinated on a national scale in a manner consistent with effective service to
National Account customers and consistent with the preservation of the integrity
of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield system and the Licensed Marks. These guidelines
shall be interpreted in keeping with such ends.
2. A National Account is an entity with employee and/or retiree locations in
more than one Plan's Service Area. Unless otherwise agreed, a National Account
is deemed located in the Service Area in which the corporate headquarters of the
National Account is located. The Control Plan of a National Account is the Plan
in whose Service Area the National Account is located. A participating ("Par")
Plan is a Plan in whose Service Area the National Account has employee and/or
retiree locations, but in which the National Account is not located.
3. The National Account Guidelines enunciated herein below shall be
applicable only with respect to the business of new National Accounts acquired
after January 1, 1991.
4. Control Plans shall utilize National Account identification cards
complying with then currently effective BCBSA graphic standards in connection
with all National Accounts business to facilitate administration thereof, to
minimize subscriber and provider confusion, and to reflect a commitment to
cooperation among Plans.
5. Disputes among Plans and/or BCBSA as to the interpretation or
implementation of these Guidelines or as to other National Accounts issues shall
be submitted to mediation and mandatory dispute resolution as provided in the
License Agreement. For two years from the effective date of the License
Agreement, however, such disputes shall be subject to mediation only, with the
results of such mediation to be collected and reported in order to establish
more definitive operating parameters for National Accounts business and to serve
as ground rules for future binding dispute resolution.
49
EXHIBIT 3
Page 2 of 3
6. The Control Plan may use the BlueCard Program (as defined by IPOC) to
deliver benefits to employees and non-Medicare eligible retirees in a
Participating Plan's service area if an alternative arrangement with the
Participating Plan cannot be negotiated. The Participating Plan's minimum
servicing requirement for those employees and non-Medicare retirees in its
service area is to deliver benefits using the BlueCard Program. Account delivery
is subject to the policies, provisions and procedures of the BlueCard Program.
7. For provider payments in a Participating Plan's area (on non-BlueCard
claims), payment to the provider may be made by the Participating Plan or the
Control Plan at the Participating Plan's option. If the Participating Plan
elects to pay the provider, it may not withhold payment of a claim verified by
the Control Plan or its designated processor, and payment must be in conformity
with service criteria established by the Board of Directors of BCBSA (or an
authorized committee thereof) to assure prompt payment, good service and minimum
confusion with providers and subscribers. The Control Plan, at the Participating
Plan's request, will also assure that measures are taken to protect the
confidentiality of the data pertaining to provider reimbursement levels and
profiles.
8. For claim payments in a Participating Plan's area (on non-BlueCard
claims), Participating Plans are strongly encouraged, but not required, to pass
along to the Control Plan part or all of local provider discounts and
differentials for use by the Control Plan in negotiating financial arrangements
with National Accounts. However, since the size, basis, form and use of local
differentials can vary substantially among Plans and also by individual National
Account characteristics, the degree and form of any discount or differential
passed along to the Control Plan shall be strictly a matter of negotiated
contractual agreement between a Participating Plan and the Control Plan and may
also vary from one National Account to another. In order to facilitate the
quotation of national account pricing and the offering of a variety of National
Account delivery systems, all Plans are strongly encouraged to periodically
publish to other Plans and the BCBSA their National Account contracting policies
with respect to the handling of differentials.
The Control Plan, in its financial agreements with a National Account, is
expected to reasonably reflect the aggregate amount of differentials passed
along to the Control Plan by all Participating Plans in a National Account. The
exact form and substance of this may vary from one National Account to another
and shall be a matter of
AMENDED AS OF JUNE 14, 1996
50
EXHIBIT 3
Page 3 of 3
explicit negotiation and contractual relationship between the National Account
and the Control Plan. The specifics in an agreement between the Control Plan and
the National Account may vary in form (e.g., a guaranteed offset against
retentions, or a direct pass through, or a guaranteed aggregate percentage
discount, or no pass back at all, etc.), and the Control Plan has the
responsibility and the Authority to negotiate precise arrangements. However,
irrespective of the final arrangements between the Control Plan and the National
Account, a Participating Plan's liability for passing along differentials shall
be limited to the contractual agreement the Participating Plan has with the
Control Plan on a specific National Account.
9. Other than in contracting with health care providers or soliciting such
contracts in areas contiguous to a Plan's Service Area in order to serve its
subscribers or those of its licensed Controlled Affiliate residing or working in
its Service Area, a Control Plan may not use the Licensed Marks and/or Name, as
a tag line or otherwise, to negotiate directly with providers outside its
Service Area.
51
EXHIBIT 4
GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AND CERTAIN OTHER USES
Page 1 of 2
1. A Plan and its licensed Controlled Affiliate may use the Licensed Marks
and Name in bidding on and executing a contract to serve a Government Program,
and in thereafter communicating with the Government concerning the Program. With
respect, however, to such contracts entered into after the 1st day of January,
1991, the Licensed Marks and Name will not be used in communications or
transactions with beneficiaries or providers in the Government Program located
outside a Plan's Service Area, unless the Plan can demonstrate to the
satisfaction of BCBSA's governing body that such a restriction on use of the
Licensed Marks and Name will jeopardize its ability to procure the contract for
the Government Program. As to both existing and future contracts for Government
Programs, Plans will discontinue use of the Licensed Marks and Name as to
beneficiaries and Providers outside their Service Area as expenditiously as
circumstances reasonably permit. Effective January 1, 1995, except as provided
in the first sentence above, all use by a Plan of the Licensed Marks and Name in
Government Programs outside of the Plan's Service Area shall be discontinued.
Incidental communications outside a Plan's Service Area with resident or former
resident beneficiaries of the Plan, and other categories of necessary incidental
communications approved by BCBSA, are not prohibited.
2. In connection with activity otherwise in furtherance of the License
Agreement, a Plan may use the Licensed Marks and Name outside its Service Area
in the following circumstances which are deemed legitimate and necessary and not
likely to cause consumer confusion:
a. sending letterhead, envelopes, and similar items for administrative
purposes which do not solicit the sale of health care plans and
related services;
b. distributing business cards other than in marketing and selling;
c. contracting with health care providers or soliciting such contracts
in areas contiguous to a Plan's Service Area in order to serve its
subscribers or those of its licensed Controlled Affiliate residing
or working in its service area;
d. issuing a small sign containing the legal name or trade name of the
Plan or its licensed Controlled Affiliate for display by a provider
to identify the latter as a participating provider of the Plan or
Controlled Affiliate;
52
EXHIBIT 4
Page 2 of 2
e. advertising in publications or electronic media solely to persons
for employment;
f. advertising in print, electronic or other media which serve, as a
substantial market, the Service Area of the Plan or licensed
Controlled Affiliate, provided that no Plan may advertise outside
its Service Area on the national broadcast and cable networks and
that advertisements in national print media are limited to the
smallest regional edition encompassing the Service Area;
g. advertising by direct mail where the addressee's zip code plus 4
includes, at least in part, the Plan's Service Area or that of a
licensed Controlled Affiliate.
53
EXHIBIT 5
MEDIATION AND MANDATORY DISPUTE RESOLUTION (MMDR) RULES
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans ("Plans") and the Blue Cross Blue
Shield Association ("BCBSA") recognize and acknowledge that the Blue Cross and
Blue Shield system is a unique nonprofit and for-profit system offering cost
effective health care financing and services. The Plans and BCBSA desire to
utilize Mediation and Mandatory Dispute Resolution ("MMDR") to avoid expensive
and time-consuming litigation that may otherwise occur in the federal and state
judicial systems. Even MMDR should be viewed, however, as methods of last
resort, all other procedures for dispute resolution having failed. Except as
otherwise provided in the License Agreements, the Plans, their Controlled
Affiliates and BCBSA agree to submit all disputes to MMDR pursuant to these
Rules and in lieu of litigation.
1. INITIATION OF PROCEEDINGS
A. Pre-MMDR Efforts
Before filing a Complaint to invoke the MMDR process, the CEO of a
complaining party, or his/her designated representative, shall undertake good
faith efforts with the other side(s) to try to resolve any dispute.
B. Complaint
To commence a proceeding, the complaining party (or parties) shall provide
by certified mail, return receipt requested, a written Complaint to the BCBSA
Corporate Secretary (which shall also constitute service on BCBSA if it is a
respondent) and to any Plan(s) and/or Controlled Affiliate(s) named therein. The
Complaint shall contain:
i. identification of the complaining party (or parties)
requesting the proceeding;
ii. identification of the respondent(s);
iii. identification of any other persons or entities who are
interested in a resolution of the dispute;
iv. a full statement describing the nature of the dispute;
v. identification of all of the issues that are being submitted
for resolution;
AMENDED AS OF NOVEMBER 21, 1996
54
vi. the remedy sought;
vii. a statement as to whether the complaining party (or parties)
elect(s) first to pursue Mediation;
viii. any request, if applicable, that one or more members of the
Mediation Committee be disqualified from the proceeding and
the grounds for such request;
ix. any request, if applicable, that the matter be handled on an
expedited basis and the reasons therefor; and
x. a statement signed by the CEO of the complaining party
affirming that the CEO has undertaken efforts, or has directed
efforts to be undertaken, to resolve the dispute before
resorting to the MMDR process.
The complaining party (or parties) shall file and serve with the Complaint
copies of all documents which the party (or parties) intend(s) to offer at the
Arbitration Hearing and a statement identifying the witnesses the party (or
parties) intend(s) to present at the Hearing, along with a summary of each
witness' expected testimony.
C. Answer
Within twenty (20) days after receipt of the Complaint, each respondent
shall serve on the BCBSA and on the complaining party (or parties) and on the
Chairman of the Mediation Committee;
i. a full Answer to the aforesaid Complaint;
ii. a statement of any Counterclaims against the complaining party
(or parties), providing with respect thereto the information
specified in Paragraph 1.B., above;
iii. a statement as to whether the respondent elects to first
pursue Mediation;
iv. any request, if applicable, that one or more members of the
Mediation Committee be disqualified from the proceeding and
the grounds for such request; and
v. any request, if applicable, that the matter be handled on an
expedited basis and the reasons therefor.
55
The respondent(s) shall file and serve with the Answer or by the date of the
Initial Conference set forth in Paragraph 3.B., below, copies of all documents
which the respondent(s) intend(s) to offer at the Arbitration Hearing and a
statement identifying the witnesses the party (or parties) intend(s) to present
at the Hearing, along with a summary of each witness' expected testimony.
D. Reply To Counterclaim
Within ten (10) days after receipt of any Counterclaim, the complaining
party (or parties) shall serve on BCBSA and on the responding party (or parties)
and on the Chairman of the Mediation Committee, a Reply to the Counterclaim.
Such Reply must provide the same information required by Paragraph 1.C.
2. MEDIATION
A. Mediation Committee
To facilitate the mediation of disputes between or among BCBSA, the Plans
and/or their Controlled Affiliates, the BCBSA Board has established a Mediation
Committee. Mediation may be pursued in lieu of or in an effort to obviate the
Mandatory Dispute Resolution process, and all parties are strongly urged to
exhaust the mediation procedure.
B. Election To Mediate
If any party elects first to pursue Mediation, and if it appears to the
Corporate Secretary that the dispute falls within the jurisdiction of the
Mediation Committee, as set forth in Exhibit 5-A hereto, then the Corporate
Secretary will promptly furnish the Mediation Committee with copies of the
Complaint, Answer, Counterclaim and Reply to Counterclaim, and other documents
referenced in Paragraph 1, above.
C. Selection of Mediators
The parties shall promptly attempt to agree upon: (i) the number of
mediators desired, not to exceed three mediators; and (ii) the selection of the
mediator(s) who may include members of the Mediation Committee and/or
experienced mediators from an independent entity to mediate all disputes set
forth in the Complaint and Answer (and Counterclaim and Reply, if any). In the
event the parties cannot agree upon the number of mediators desired, that number
shall default to three. In the event the parties cannot agree upon the selection
of mediator(s), the Chairman will select the mediator(s), at least one of which
shall be an experienced mediator from an independent entity, consistent with the
provisions set forth in this Paragraph. No member of the Mediation Committee who
is a representative of any party to the Mediation may be selected to mediate the
dispute. The Chairman shall also endeavor not to select as a mediator any member
of the Mediation Committee whom a party has requested to be disqualified. If,
after due regard for availability, expertise, and such other considerations as
may best promote an expeditious Mediation, the Chairman
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believes that he or she must consider for selection a member of the Mediation
Committee whom a party has requested to be disqualified, the other members of
the Committee eligible to be selected to mediate the dispute shall decide the
request for disqualification. By agreeing to participate in the Mediation of a
dispute, a member of the Mediation Committee represents to the party (or
parties) thereto that he or she knows of no grounds which would require his or
her disqualification.
D. Binding Decision
Before the date of the Mediation Hearing described below, the Corporate
Secretary will contact the party (or parties) to determine whether they wish to
be bound by any recommendation of the selected mediators for resolution of the
disputes. If all wish to be bound, the Corporate Secretary will send appropriate
documentation to them for their signatures before the Mediation Hearing begins.
E. Mediation Procedure
The Chairman shall promptly advise the parties of a scheduled Mediation
Hearing date. Unless a party requests an expedited procedure, or unless all
parties to the proceeding agree to one or more extensions of time, the Mediation
Hearing set forth below shall be completed within forty (40) days of BCBSA's
receipt of the Complaint. The selected mediators, unless the parties otherwise
agree, shall adhere to the following procedure:
i. Each party must be represented by its CEO or other
representative who has been delegated full authority to
resolve the dispute. However, parties may send additional
representatives as they see fit.
ii. By no later than five (5) days prior to the date designated
for the Mediation Hearing, each party shall supply and serve a
list of all persons who will be attending the Mediation
Hearing, and indicate who will have the authority to resolve
the dispute.
iii. Each party will be given one-half hour to present its case,
beginning with the complaining party (or parties), followed by
the other party or parties. The parties are free to structure
their presentations as they see fit, using oral statements or
direct examination of witnesses. However, neither
cross-examination nor questioning of opposing representatives
will be permitted. At the close of each presentation, the
selected mediators will be given an opportunity to ask
questions of the presenters and witnesses. All parties must be
present throughout the Mediation Hearing. The selected
mediators may extend the time allowed for each party's
presentation at the Mediation Hearing. The selected mediators
may meet in executive session, outside the presence of the
parties, or may meet with the parties separately, to discuss
the controversy.
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iv. After the close of the presentations, the parties will attempt
to negotiate a settlement of the dispute. If the parties
desire, the selected mediators, or any one or more of the
selected mediators, will sit in on the negotiations.
v. After the close of the presentations, the selected mediators
may meet privately to agree upon a recommendation for
resolution of the dispute which would be submitted to the
parties for their consideration and approval. If the parties
have previously agreed to be bound by the results of this
procedure, this recommendation shall be binding upon the
parties.
vi. The purpose of the Mediation Hearing is to assist the parties
to settle their grievances short of mandatory dispute
resolution. As a result, the Mediation Hearing has been
designed to be as informal as possible. Rules of evidence
shall not apply. There will be no transcript of the
proceedings, and no party may make a tape recording of the
Mediation Hearing.
vii. In order to facilitate a free and open discussion, the
Mediation proceeding shall remain confidential. A "Stipulation
to Confidentiality" which prohibits future use of settlement
offers, all position papers or other statements furnished to
the selected mediators, and decisions or recommendations in
any Mediation proceeding shall be executed by each party.
viii. Upon request of the selected mediators, or one of the parties,
BCBSA staff may also submit documentation at any time during
the proceedings.
F. Notice Of Termination Of Mediation
If the Mediation cannot be completed within the prescribed or agreed time
period due to the lack of cooperation of any party, as determined by the
selected mediators, or if the Mediation does not result in a final resolution of
all disputes at the Mediation Hearing or within forty (40) days after the
Complaint was served, whichever comes first, any party or any one of the
selected mediators may so notify the Corporate Secretary, who shall promptly
issue a Notice of termination of mediation to all parties, to the selected
mediators, and to the MDR Administrator, defined below. Such notice shall serve
to bring the Mediation to an end and to initiate Mandatory Dispute Resolution.
Upon agreement of all parties and the selected mediators, the Mediation process
may continue at the same time the MDR process is invoked. The Notice described
above would serve to initiate the MDR proceeding and would not terminate the
proceedings.
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3. MANDATORY DISPUTE RESOLUTION (MDR)
If all parties elect not to first pursue Mediation, or if a notice of
termination of Mediation is issued as set forth in Paragraph 2.F., above, then
the unresolved disputes set forth in any Complaint and Answer (and Counterclaim
and Reply, if any) shall be subject to MDR.
A. MDR Administrator
The Administrator shall be an independent entity such as the Center for
Public Resources, Inc. or Endispute, Inc., specializing in alternative dispute
resolution. The Administrator shall be designated initially, and may be changed
from time to time, by the affirmative vote of fifty-one (51) percent of the
Plans and fifty-one (51) percent of the total then current weighted vote of all
the Plans.
B. Initial Conference
Within five (5) days after a Notice of Termination has issued, or within
five (5) days after the time for filing and serving the Reply to any
Counterclaim if the parties elect first not to mediate, the parties shall confer
with the Administrator to discuss selecting a dispute resolution panel ("the
Panel"). This Initial Conference may be by telephone. The parties are encouraged
to agree to the composition of the Panel and to present that agreement to the
Administrator at the Initial Conference. If the parties do not agree on the
composition of the Panel by the time of the Initial Conference, or by any
extension thereof agreed to by all parties and the Administrator, then the Panel
Selection Process set forth in subparagraph C shall be followed.
C. Panel Selection Process
The Administrator shall designate at least seven potential arbitrators.
The exact number designated shall be sufficient to give each party at least two
peremptory strikes. Each party shall be permitted to strike any designee for
cause and the Administrator shall determine the sufficiency thereof in its sole
discretion. The Administrator will designate a replacement for any designee so
stricken. Each party shall then be permitted two peremptory strikes. From the
remaining designees, the Administrator shall select a three member Panel. The
Administrator shall set the dates for exercising all strikes and shall complete
the Panel Selection Process within fifteen (15) days of the Initial Conference.
Each Arbitrator shall be compensated at his or her normal hourly rate or, in the
absence of an established rate, at a reasonable hourly rate to be promptly fixed
by the Administrator for all time spent in connection with the proceedings and
shall be reimbursed for any travel and other reasonable expenses.
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D. Duties Of The Arbitrators
The Panel shall promptly designate a Presiding Arbitrator for the purposes
reflected below, but shall retain the power to review and modify any ruling or
other action of said Presiding Arbitrator. Each Arbitrator shall be an
independent Arbitrator, shall be governed by the Code of Ethics for Arbitrators
in Commercial Disputes, appended as Exhibit "5-B" hereto, and shall at or prior
to the commencement of any Arbitration Hearing take an oath to that effect. Each
Arbitrator shall promptly disclose in writing to the Panel and to the parties
any circumstances, whenever arising, that might cause doubt as to such
Arbitrator's compliance, or ability to comply, with said Code of Ethics, and,
absent resignation by such Arbitrator, the remaining Arbitrators shall determine
in their sole discretion whether the circumstances so disclosed constitute
grounds for disqualification and for replacement. With respect to such
circumstances arising or coming to the attention of a party after an
Arbitrator's selection, a party may likewise request the Arbitrator's
resignation or a determination as to disqualification by the remaining
Arbitrators. With respect to a sole Arbitrator, the determination as to
disqualification shall be made by the Administrator.
There shall be no ex parte communication between the parties or their
counsel and any member of the Panel.
E. Panel's Jurisdiction And Authority
The Panel's jurisdiction and authority shall extend to all disputes
between or among the Plans, their Controlled Affiliates, and/or BCBSA, except
for those disputes excepted from these MMDR procedures as set forth in the
License Agreements.
With the exception of punitive or treble damages, the Panel shall have
full authority to award the relief it deems appropriate to resolve the parties'
disputes, including monetary awards and injunctions, mandatory or prohibitory.
The Panel has no authority to award punitive or treble damages except that the
Panel may allocate or assess responsibility for punitive or treble damages
assessed by another tribunal. Subject to the above limitations, the Panel may,
by way of example, but not of limitation:
i. interpret or construe the meaning of any terms, phrase or
provision in any license between BCBSA and a Plan or a
Controlled Affiliate relating to the use of the BLUE CROSS(R)
or BLUE SHIELD(R) service marks.
ii. determine whether BCBSA, a Plan or a Controlled Affiliate has
violated the terms or conditions of any license between the
BCBSA and a Plan or a Controlled Affiliate relating to the use
of the BLUE CROSS(R) or BLUE SHIELD(R) service marks.
iii. decide challenges as to its own jurisdiction.
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iv. issue such orders for interim relief as it deems appropriate
pending Hearing and Award in any Arbitration.
It is understood that the Panel is expected to resolve issues based on
governing principles of law, preserving to the maximum extent legally possible
the continued integrity of the Licensed Marks and the BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD
system. The Panel shall apply federal law to all issues which, if asserted in
the United States District Court, would give rise to federal question
jurisdiction, 28 U.S.C. Section 1331. The Panel shall apply Illinois law to all
issues involving interpretation, performance or construction of any License
Agreement or Controlled Affiliate License Agreement unless the agreement
otherwise provides. As to other issues, the Panel shall choose the applicable
law based on conflicts of law principles of the State of Illinois.
F. Administrative Conference And Preliminary Arbitration Hearing
Within ten (10) days of the Panel being selected, the Presiding Arbitrator
will schedule an Administrative Conference to discuss scheduling of the
Arbitration Hearing and any other matter appropriate to be considered including:
any written discovery in the form of requests for production of documents or
requests to admit facts; the identity of any witness whose deposition a party
may desire and a showing of exceptional good cause for the taking of any such
deposition; the desirability of bifurcation or other separation of the issues;
the need for and the type of record of conferences and hearings, including the
need for transcripts; the need for expert witnesses and how expert testimony
should be presented; the appropriateness of motions to dismiss and/or for full
or partial summary judgment; consideration of stipulations; the desirability of
presenting any direct testimony in writing; and the necessity for any on-site
inspection by the Panel.
G. Discovery
i. REQUESTS FOR PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS: All requests for the
production of documents must be served as of the date of the
Administrative Conference as set forth in Paragraph 3.F.,
above. Within twenty (20) days after receipt of a request for
documents, a party shall produce all relevant and
non-privileged documents to the requesting party. In his or
her discretion, the Presiding Arbitrator may require the
parties to provide lists in such detail as is deemed
appropriate of all documents as to which privilege is claimed
and may further require in-camera inspection of the same.
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ii. REQUESTS FOR ADMISSIONS: Requests for Admissions may be served
up to 21 days prior to the Arbitration Hearing. A party served
with Requests For Admissions must respond within twenty (20)
days of receipt of said request. The good faith use of and
response to Requests for Admissions is encouraged, and the
Panel shall have full discretion, with reference to the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, in awarding appropriate
sanctions with respect to abuse of the procedure.
iii. DEPOSITIONS As a general rule, the parties will not be
permitted to take deposition testimony for discovery purposes.
The Presiding Arbitrator, in his or her sole discretion, shall
have the authority to permit a party to take such deposition
testimony upon a showing of exceptional good cause, provided
that no deposition, for discovery purposes or otherwise, shall
exceed three (3) hours, excluding objections and colloquy of
counsel.
iv. EXPERT WITNESS(ES): If a party intends to present the
testimony of an expert witness during the oral hearing, it
shall provide all other parties with a written statement
setting forth the information required to be provided by Fed.
R. Civ. P. 26(b)(4)(A)(i) prior to the expiration of the
discovery period.
v. DISCOVERY CUT-OFF: The Presiding Arbitrator shall determine
the date on which the discovery period will end, but the
discovery period shall not exceed forty-five (45) days from
its commencement, without the agreement of all parties.
vi. ADDITIONAL DISCOVERY: Any additional discovery will be at the
discretion of the Presiding Arbitrator. The Presiding
Arbitrator is authorized to resolve all discovery disputes,
which resolution will be binding on the parties unless
modified by the Arbitration Panel. If a party refuses to
comply with a decision resolving a discovery dispute, the
Panel, in keeping with Fed. R. Civ. P. 37, may refuse to allow
that party to support or oppose designated claims or defenses,
prohibit that party from introducing designated matters into
evidence or, in extreme cases, decide an issue submitted for
resolution adversely to that party.
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H. Panel Suggested Settlement/Mediation
At any point during the proceedings, the Panel at the request of any party
or on its own initiative, may suggest that the parties explore settlement and
that they do so at or before the conclusion of the Arbitration Hearing, and the
Panel shall give such assistance in settlement negotiations as the parties may
request and the Panel may deem appropriate. Alternatively, the Panel may direct
the parties to endeavor to mediate their disputes as provided above, or to
explore a mini-trial proceeding, or to have an independent party render a
neutral evaluation of the parties' respective positions. The Panel shall enter
such sanctions as it deems appropriate with respect to any party failing to
pursue in good faith such Mediation or other alternate dispute resolution
methods.
I. Subpoenas On Third Parties
Pursuant to, and consistent with, the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C.
Section 9 et seq., a party may request the issuance of a subpoena on a third
party, to compel testimony or documents, and, if good and sufficient cause is
shown, the Panel shall issue such a subpoena.
J. Arbitration Hearing
An Arbitration Hearing will be held within thirty (30) days after the
Administrative Conference if no discovery is taken, or within thirty (30) days
after the close of discovery, unless all parties and the Panel agree to extend
the Arbitration Hearing date, or unless the parties agree in writing to waive
the Arbitration Hearing. The parties may mutually agree on the location of the
Arbitration Hearing. If the parties fail to agree, the Arbitration Hearing shall
be held in Chicago, Illinois, or at such other location determined by the
Presiding Arbitrator to be most convenient to the participants. The Panel will
determine the date(s) and time(s) of the Arbitration Hearing(s) after
consultation with all parties and shall provide reasonable notice thereof to all
parties or their representatives.
K. Arbitration Hearing Memoranda
Twenty (20) days prior to the Arbitration Hearing, each party shall submit
to the other party (or parties) and to the Panel an Arbitration Hearing
Memorandum which sets forth the applicable law and any argument as to any
relevant issue. The Arbitration Hearing Memorandum will supplement, and not
repeat, the allegations, information and documents contained in or with the
Complaint, Answer, Counterclaim and Reply, if any. Ten (10) days prior to the
Arbitration Hearing, each party may submit to the other party (or parties) and
to the Panel a Response Arbitration Hearing Memorandum which sets forth any
response to another party's Arbitration Hearing Memorandum.
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L. Notice For Testimony
Ten (10) days prior to the Arbitration Hearing, any party may serve a
Notice on any other party (or parties) requesting the attendance at the
Arbitration Hearing of any officer, employee or director of the other party (or
parties) for the purpose of providing noncumulative testimony. If a party fails
to produce one of its officers, employees or directors whose noncumulative
testimony during the Arbitration Hearing is reasonably requested by an adverse
party, the Panel may refuse to allow that party to support or oppose designated
claims or defenses, prohibit that party from introducing designated matters into
evidence or, in extreme cases, decide an issue submitted for mandatory dispute
resolution adversely to that party. This Rule may not be used for the purpose of
burdening or harassing any party, and the Presiding Arbitrator may impose such
orders as are appropriate so as to prevent or remedy any such burden or
harassment.
M. Arbitration Hearing Procedures
i. ATTENDANCE AT ARBITRATION HEARING: Any person having a direct
interest in the proceeding is entitled to attend the
Arbitration Hearing. The Presiding Arbitrator shall otherwise
have the power to require the exclusion of any witness, other
than a party or other essential person, during the testimony
of any other witness. It shall be discretionary with the
Presiding Arbitrator to determine the propriety of the
attendance of any other person.
ii. CONFIDENTIALITY: The Panel and all parties shall maintain the
privacy of the Arbitration Proceeding. The parties and the
Panel shall treat the Arbitration Hearing and any discovery or
other proceedings or events related thereto, including any
award resulting therefrom, as confidential except as otherwise
necessary in connection with a judicial challenge to or
enforcement of an award or unless otherwise required by law.
iii. STENOGRAPHIC RECORD: Any party, or if the parties do not
object, the Panel, may request that a stenographic or other
record be made of any Arbitration Hearing or portion thereof.
The costs of the recording and/or of preparing the transcript
shall be borne by the requesting party and by any party who
receives a copy thereof. If the Panel requests a recording
and/or a transcript, the costs thereof shall be borne equally
by the parties.
iv. OATHS: The Panel may require witnesses to testify under oath
or affirmation administered by any duly qualified person and,
if requested by any party, shall do so.
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v. ORDER OF ARBITRATION HEARING: An Arbitration Hearing shall be
opened by the recording of the date, time, and place of the
Arbitration Hearing, and the presence of the Panel, the
parties, and their representatives, if any. The Panel may, at
the beginning of the Arbitration Hearing, ask for statements
clarifying the issues involved.
Unless otherwise agreed, the complaining party (or parties)
shall then present evidence to support their claim(s). The
respondent(s) shall then present evidence supporting their
defenses and Counterclaims, if any. The complaining party (or
parties) shall then present evidence supporting defenses to
the Counterclaims, if any, and rebuttal.
Witnesses for each party shall submit to questions by adverse
parties and/or the Panel.
The Panel has the discretion to vary these procedures, but
shall afford a full and equal opportunity to all parties for
the presentation of any material and relevant evidence.
vi. EVIDENCE: The parties may offer such evidence as is relevant
and material to the dispute and shall produce such evidence as
the Panel may deem necessary to an understanding and
resolution of the dispute. Unless good cause is shown, as
determined by the Panel or agreed to by all other parties, no
party shall be permitted to offer evidence at the Arbitration
Hearing which was not disclosed prior to the Arbitration
Hearing by that party. The Panel may receive and consider the
evidence of witnesses by affidavit upon such terms as the
Panel deems appropriate.
The Panel shall be the judge of the relevance and materiality
of the evidence offered, and conformity to legal rules of
evidence, other than enforcement of the attorney-client
privilege and the work product protection, shall not be
necessary. The Federal Rules of Evidence shall be considered
by the Panel in conducting the Arbitration Hearing but those
rules shall not be controlling. All evidence shall be taken in
the presence of the Panel and all of the parties, except where
any party is in default or has waived the right to be present.
Settlement offers by any party in connection with Mediation or
MDR proceedings, decisions or recommendations of the selected
mediators, and a party's position papers or statements
furnished to the selected mediators shall not be admissible
evidence or considered by the Panel without the consent of all
parties.
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vii. CLOSING OF ARBITRATION HEARING: The Presiding Arbitrator shall
specifically inquire of all parties whether they have any
further proofs to offer or witnesses to be heard. Upon
receiving negative replies or if he or she is satisfied that
the record is complete, the Presiding Arbitrator shall declare
the Arbitration Hearing closed with an appropriate notation
made on the record. Subject to being reopened as provided
below, the time within which the Panel is required to make the
award shall commence to run, in the absence of contrary
agreement by the parties, upon the closing of the Arbitration
Hearing.
With respect to complex disputes, the Panel may, in its sole
discretion, defer the closing of the Arbitration Hearing for a
period of up to thirty (30) days after the presentation of
proofs in order to permit the parties to submit post-hearing
briefs and argument, as the Panel deems appropriate, prior to
making an award.
For good cause, the Arbitration Hearing may be reopened for up
to thirty (30) days on the Panel's initiative, or upon
application of a party, at any time before the award is made
N. Awards
An Award must be in writing and shall be made promptly by the Panel and,
unless otherwise agreed by the parties or specified by law, no later than thirty
(30) days from the date of closing the Arbitration Hearing. If all parties so
request, the Award shall contain findings of fact and conclusions of law. The
Award, and all other rulings and determinations by the Panel, may be by a
majority vote.
Parties shall accept as legal delivery of the Award the placing of the
Award or a true copy thereof in the mail addressed to a party or its
representative at its last known address or personal service of the Award on a
party or its representative.
Awards are binding only on the parties to the Arbitration and are not
binding on any non-parties to the Arbitration and may not be used or cited as
precedent in any other proceeding.
After the expiration of twenty (20) days from initial delivery, the Award
(with corrections, if any) shall be final and binding on the parties, and the
parties shall undertake to carry out the Award without delay.
Proceedings to confirm, modify or vacate an Award shall be conducted in
conformity with and controlled by the Federal Arbitration Act. 9 U.S.C. Section
1, et seq.
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O. Return Of Documents
Within sixty (60) days after the Award and the conclusion of any judicial
proceedings with respect thereto, each party and the Panel shall return any
documents produced by any other party, including all copies thereof. If a party
receives a discovery request in any other proceeding which would require it to
produce any documents produced to it by any other party in a proceeding
hereunder, it shall not produce such documents without first notifying the
producing party and giving said party reasonable time to respond, if
appropriate, to the discovery request.
4. MISCELLANEOUS
A. Expedited Procedures
Any party to a Mediation may direct a request for an expedited Mediation
Hearing to the Chairman of the Mediation Committee, to the selected Mediators,
and to all other parties at any time. The Chairman of the Mediation Committee,
or at his or her direction, the then selected Mediators, shall grant any request
which is supported by good and sufficient reasons. If such a request is granted,
the Mediation shall be completed within as short a period as practicable, as
determined by the Chairman of the Mediation Committee or, at his or her
direction, the then selected Mediators.
Any party to an Arbitration may direct a request for expedited proceedings
to the Administrator, to the Panel, and to all other parties at any time. The
Administrator, or the Presiding Arbitrator if the Panel has been selected, shall
grant any such request which is supported by good and sufficient reasons. If
such a request is granted, the Arbitration shall be completed within as short a
time as practicable, as determined by the Administrator and/or the Presiding
Arbitrator.
B. Temporary Or Preliminary Injunctive Relief
Any party may seek temporary or preliminary injunctive relief with the
filing of a Complaint or at any time thereafter. If such relief is sought prior
to the time that an Arbitration Panel has been selected, then the Administrator
shall select a single Arbitrator who is a lawyer who has no interest in the
subject matter of the dispute, and no connection to any of the parties, to hear
and determine the request for temporary or preliminary injunction. If such
relief is sought after the time that an Arbitration Panel has been selected,
then the Arbitration Panel will hear and determine the request. The request for
temporary or preliminary injunctive relief will be determined with reference to
the temporary or preliminary injunction standards set forth in Fed. R. Civ. P.
65.
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C. Defaults And Proceedings In The Absence Of A Party
Whenever a party fails to comply with the MDR Rules in a manner deemed
material by the Panel, the Panel shall fix a reasonable time for compliance and,
if the party does not comply within said period, the Panel may enter an Order of
default or afford such other relief as it deems appropriate. Arbitration may
proceed in the event of a default or in the absence of any party who, after due
notice, fails to be present or fails to obtain an extension. An Award shall not
be made solely on the default or absence of a party, but the Panel shall require
the party who is present to submit such evidence as the Panel may require for
the making of findings, determinations, conclusions, and Awards.
D. Notice
Each party shall be deemed to have consented that any papers, notices, or
process necessary or proper for the initiation or continuation of a proceeding
under these rules or for any court action in connection therewith may be served
on a party by mail addressed to the party or its representative at its last
known address or by personal service, in or outside the state where the MDR
proceeding is to be held.
The Corporate Secretary and the parties may also use facsimile
transmission, telex, telegram, or other written forms of electronic
communication to give the notices required by these rules.
E. Expenses
The expenses of witnesses shall be paid by the party causing or requesting
the appearance of such witnesses. All expenses of the MDR proceeding, including
compensation, required travel and other reasonable expenses of the Panel, and
the cost of any proof produced at the direct request of the Panel, shall be
borne equally by the parties and shall be paid periodically on a timely basis,
unless they agree otherwise or unless the Panel in the Award assesses such
expenses, or any part thereof against any party (or parties). In exceptional
cases, the Panel may award reasonable attorneys' fees as an item of expense, and
the Panel shall promptly determine the amount of such fees based on affidavits
or such other proofs as the Panel deems sufficient.
F. Disqualification Or Disability Of A Panel Member
In the event that any Arbitrator of a Panel with more than one Arbitrator
should become disqualified, resign, die, or refuse or be unable to perform or
discharge his or her duties after the commencement of MDR but prior to the
rendition of an Award, and the parties are unable to agree upon a replacement,
the remaining Panel member(s):
i. shall designate a replacement, subject to the right of any
party to challenge such replacement for cause.
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ii. shall decide the extent to which previously held hearings
shall be repeated.
If the remaining Panel members consider the proceedings to have progressed
to a stage as to make replacement impracticable, the parties may agree, as an
alternative to the recommencement of the Mandatory Dispute Resolution process,
to resolution of the dispute by the remaining Panel members.
In the event that a single Arbitrator should become disqualified, resign,
die, or refuse or be unable to perform or discharge his or her duties after the
commencement of MDR but prior to the rendition of an Award, and the parties are
unable to agree upon a replacement, the Administrator shall appoint a successor,
subject to the right of any party to challenge such successor for cause, and the
successor shall decide the extent to which previously held proceedings shall be
repeated.
G. Amendments
These MMDR Rules may be altered or amended from time to time by the
affirmative vote of fifty-one (51) percent of the Plans and fifty-one (51)
percent of the total then current weighted vote of all the Plans.
H. Extensions of Time
Any time limit set forth in these Rules may be extended upon agreement of
the parties and approval of: (i) the Chairman of the Mediation Committee if the
proceeding is then in Mediation; (ii) the Administrator if the proceeding is in
Arbitration, but no Arbitration Panel has been selected; or (iii) the
Arbitration Panel, if the proceeding is in Arbitration and the Arbitration Panel
has been selected.
I. Intervention
The Plans, their Controlled Affiliates, and BCBSA, to the extent subject
to MMDR pursuant to their License Agreements, shall have the right to move to
intervene in any pending Arbitration. A written motion for intervention shall be
made to: (i) the Administrator, if the proceeding is in Arbitration, but no
Arbitration Panel has been selected; or (ii) the Arbitration Panel, if the
proceeding is in Arbitration and the Arbitration Panel has been selected. The
written motion for intervention shall be delivered to the BCBSA Corporate
Secretary (which shall also constitute service on the BCBSA if it is a
respondent) and to any Plan(s) and/or Controlled Affiliate(s) which are parties
to the proceeding. Any party to the proceeding can submit written objections to
the motion to intervene. The motion for intervention shall be granted upon good
cause shown. Intervention also may be allowed by stipulation of the parties to
the Arbitration proceeding. Intervention shall be allowed upon such terms as the
Arbitration Panel decides.
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J. BCBSA Assistance In Resolution of Disputes
The resources and personnel of the BCBSA may be requested by any member
Plan at any time to try to resolve disputes with another Plan.
K. Neutral Evaluation
The parties can voluntarily agree at any time to have an independent party
render a neutral evaluation of the parties' respective positions.
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EXHIBIT 5-A
MEDIATION COMMITTEE
REPORTS TO: Board of Directors
CHARGE: 1. Develop and implement processes for resolving
misunderstandings or disagreements between Plans or
between Plans and the Association under the following
circumstances:
a. Matters at issue regarding relationships between Plans
or between Plans and the Association.
b. Matters at issue regarding relationships between Plans
or between Plans and the Association.
c. Matters at issue under the Inter-Plan Bank, Reciprocity,
and Transfer Programs.
d. Matters at issue regarding contractor selection or
performance under the Medicare Part A Program.
2. Determination of equalization allowances and/or cost
allowances under FEP shall not be considered by this
Committee.
MEMBERSHIP: Six to Eight
STAFF: Senior Vice President and General Counsel
