Buisness briefs

Advertiser Staff

State awards Quest contract

The state has awarded a 3ý-year contract to Indianapolis-based Cyrca Insurance Management for the state's Med-Quest division's health plans.

The contract requires Cyrca to develop an enhanced cost containment and quality assurance program for the state's pre-paid health plans by processing claims and paying out benefits on certain Quest claims. The value of the contract, effective Jan. 1, was not disclosed.

Cyrca Insurance designs and operates specialized medical insurance programs that combine health care financing with advanced health care administration techniques. The company has been working with various Quest initiatives since 1994 and already manages the state's Organ and Tissue Transplant program for Med-Quest.

Cruise company plan approved

A bankruptcy judge said American Classic Voyages Co., the defunct company that operated two passenger ships in Hawai'i, can seek approval from creditors for a plan that includes reimbursing customers seeking about $10 million in deposits.

The customers want refunds for cruises that were canceled after the company sought bankruptcy in October 2001. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Jerry Venters in Wilmington, Del., said the company can proceed to line up votes from creditors in support of the plan, and he scheduled a final hearing on the matter for Feb. 6.

American Classic Voyages sought bankruptcy protection after customers canceled trips after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.