Lara Keel Lobbyist News
United HealthCare Awarded Texas HealthCare Contract
Last month, one of Lara Keel’s clients – United HealthCare – was awarded the contract to provide health care administration for state employees of Texas. United HealthCare will provide a network of their physicians, hospitals, and related health care providers and agencies for HealthSelect of Texas.
Prior to the awarding of this contract, Blue Cross Blue Shield had the contract for over thirty years. Blue Cross has lodged a complain, claiming that this contract was awarded due to the political influence of lobbyists, however the Austin American Statesman has reported that a variety of employee advocacy groups have examined the contract award and are satisfied the decision was made for sound and competitive reasons. In addition, A Dallas newspaper is is reporting that UHC will save Texans 41 million dollars a year.
Legislative and Political Director for TSEU Derrick Osobase is quoted by the Austin American Statesman as saying that the Employees Retirement System typically does very thorough background research before awarding such contracts.