State fines Humana Employers Health Care of Georgia $400,000

ATLANTA - Humana Employers Health Care of Georgia has been fined $400,000 for violating the state&#39;s prompt pay law, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine announced Thursday. <br> <br> It is the second time the HMO had to pay a penalty for delaying claims payments. Oxendine ordered the company to pay a $15,039 fine last year. <br> <br> Thursday&#39;s fine was the largest ever against a health maintenance organization. It resulted from a review by Oxendine&#39;s office of data the HMOs are required to submit quarterly. <br> <br> ``I am disappointed that Humana hasn&#39;t been more conscientious in its claims payment practices,&#39;&#39; Oxendine said. ``After our initial reviews in 1999 and 2000, I gave Humana ample time to make necessary changes in its procedures before initiating new examinations. <br> <br> ``The bottom line is we expect all insurers to expedite the payment process,&#39;&#39; he said. <br> <br> Previously, the largest penalty under the rule that requires health insurers to pay uncontested claims to a doctor or hospital within 15 days of receipt or mail a notice as to why the claim has not been paid was $300,000 against Cigna.