Mitchell v. Georgia Department of Community Health

JOHNSON, Presiding Judge.

This appeal arises out of a dispute over the denial of in-network medical benefits to Kimberly Mitchell for two surgeries she elected to undergo at the University of Alabama-Birmingham Hospital (“UAB”) in 2002 and 2003. As a state employee, Mitchell is eligible to participate in the state health benefit plan (“SHBP”), operated by the Georgia Department of Community Health (“DCH”). SHBP members’ health benefits vary based on the coverage plan chosen by the member and whether the member receives treatment from an in-network versus an out-of-network provider and/or…