Final fairness hearing set in disputed PPO class action settlement

A third and final fairness hearing is scheduled for Aug. 25 in Madison County over a disputed class action settlement against an insurer that allegedly operated a "silent" Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) that deprived health care providers of monies.

The settlement pits former law firm members Robert Schmieder II of Wood River and Richard Burke of St. Louis against one another.

Schmieder is acting as class counsel in Shipley, Coy v. First Health. Burke represents a Swansea chiropractor who has objected to the settlement.