NYC, union accused of improperly awarding Medicare contract

Aetna Inc. is suing New York City and its local union leaders for allegedly awarding a $34 billion “tainted” contract to an unqualified rival bidder, reports the New York Post. Aetna alleges that the bidding process was fixed to favor Alliance, a consortium that includes Emblem Health and Anthem/Blue Cross & Blue Shield, to operate the Medicare Advantage Plus program, which administers health benefits to 250,000 retired city workers.