Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan accused of pocketing millions

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is facing a wave of lawsuits across the state accusing the insurance giant of pocketing millions of dollars in hidden fees from local governments and others to administer their health care plans.

The state court suits -- which already have cost the Blues several million dollars in verdicts and settlements -- are independent of an antitrust lawsuit filed last month in federal court by the U.S. Justice Department.

Although the focus of the federal suit differs, the lawsuits all contend that Blue Cross' business practices resulted in unfair and higher costs to others.