DETROIT (AP) - Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox has filed a lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, accusing the health insurer of illegally denying access to some programs.

Cox is referring to so-called Medigap plans, which provide coverage not available under Medicare. He says Blue Cross is breaking the law by forcing seniors to buy more expensive policies or none at all.

Cox is now a private lawyer. He says it’s like wanting to buy an economy car but being told you must get a luxury vehicle. The lawsuit seeks class-action status.

Blue Cross says the case has no merit. Spokeswoman Helen Stojic says Medigap is a subsidized product for retirees who don’t have financial assistance from their former employers. Cox’s client has a reimbursement benefit from Ford Motor Co.

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