American Family Life Assurance Co. Of Columbus v. Blue Cross of Florida, Inc., and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc.

COLEMAN, Circuit Judge:

The American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, Georgia, sued Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida. The complaint charged that enforcement of a “coordination of benefits” provision contained in defendants’ plans for hospital and surgical benefits violated Section 1 of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1. Specifically, it was urged that the practice constituted boycott, coercion, intimidation, and other prohibited restraints of trade. A plan covering the municipal employees of Miami Beach was especially challenged.

After a Bench trial on the merits, the District Court…