Blue Cross merger plan clears Montana hurdle

HELENA (AP) — A proposed merger between nation's fourth-largest health insurer and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana has cleared a major regulatory hurdle and is now in the hands of a former state Supreme Court justice.

William Leaphart, the hearing examiner in the merger between Blue Cross and Chicago-based Health Care Service Corp., will make a recommendation to Attorney General Tim Fox and Insurance Commissioner Monica Lindeen now that Lindeen's staff has given the nod to the proposal.

Fox's staff previously recommended approval.

Leaphart will consider those staff recommendations before mak...