California suit claims WellPoint depressed prices

WellPoint Inc.’s California subsidiary drove down prices to “artificial levels substantially below market value” for doctors caring for workers’ compensation patients, according to a lawsuit filed by physicians today in a state court in Los Angeles.

The suit seeks class-action status and triple damages from WellPoint Health Networks and Blue Cross of California, which are owned by Indianapolis-based WellPoint, as well as a now-dissolved insurance fund.