State says Blue Cross correcting wrong charges

HELENA (AP) — The state insurance commissioner says Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana is reimbursing customers for erroneous charges.

Monica Lindeen said Friday that more than $700,000 has been paid so far after her office discovered the company wrongly charged customers for services listed as free.

Customers were being asked to pay a large deductible on some services that had been advertised as not having any co-pay.

Lindeen said an investigation spurred by complaints found that Blue Cross had changed its policy without first getting required approval from her office. Montanans insured under a plan sold to small businesses called "Blue Dimensions" were affected.

The company was fined $5,000 and continues to reimburse affected customers.