The lawsuit was filed in May by Saloojas, an out-of-network laboratory that operates seven specimen collection sites. The company argued the insurer is required to fully cover all Aetna Plan members’ COVID-19 diagnostic testing services and issue reimbursements during the public health emergency, regardless of network status. Saloojas alleged Aetna mis-adjudicated “almost every single” COVID-19 testing claim it submitted on behalf of Aetna plan members and denied a vast majority of COVID-19 testing claims the company submitted.
U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley said the federal CARES Act does not establish a private right to sue, according to the report.
Saloojas has until Oct. 31 to file an amended complaint, according to court records.
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