BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho woman has filed a federal anti-trust lawsuit against Blue Cross of Idaho, and the case is being consolidated with several others nationwide in the Northern District of Alabama. Melissa Allen contends that Blue Cross of Idaho, the national Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and 37 other Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans violated federal anti-trust laws by carving up the country into exclusive territories.

The Ada County resident is asking for her lawsuit to be given class-action status on behalf of Idaho residents who have paid health insurance premiums to Blue Cross of Idaho for individual or small group health insurance since 2008. The company has not yet responded to Allen's lawsuit, but the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has denied similar allegations made in other states.

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