Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 22, 2003
TAMPA -- Attorneys from WellCare HMO Inc. and Quality Health Plans Inc. presented evidence Friday, each trying to convince a Hillsborough Circuit judge that some 300 patients are rightfully theirs.
WellCare attorneys allege that Quality Health Plans stole trade secrets and patients during its recent entry into Hernando and Pasco counties. They are seeking an injunction against the company, claiming their membership rolls are proprietary. Attorneys for Quality Health Plans argued that Dr. Haider Khan -- a co-owner of MidAmerica IPA of Florida, which used to contract with WellCare -- and his associates had no intention of stealing WellCare patients when they started a competing HMO Medicare company. Both sides are expected to present written final arguments on Monday and a verdict should be filed by Tuesday.