Class Claims Care One Overcharges

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. (CN) - Care One, New Jersey's largest privately owned chain of assisted-living centers, retroactively raised its fees without notice, a class action claims in Burlington County Court.

The class claims that Care One, which runs seven post-acute and long-term care assisted living centers, jacked up its rates without notice, in violation of contract, and applied the rate hikes retroactively.

The named plaintiff says she agreed to pay $3,915 a month, plus $30 a day - or $4,815 a month - for level-one care, but Care One retroactively raised her care level and her charges, without notice.

The complaint is ambiguous. It states that on Sept. 23, 2008, the named plaintiff "received a bill for the month of September in the amount of $13,478 from Defendant Care One unilaterally and retroactively raising her care to Level of Care Two for the months of July and August of 2008 and to Level of Care Three for September and October of 2008. Such increases in charges were without any written notice, explanation or reassessment for such increases in level care."

She claims Care One "routinely changes residents' levels of care without notice."

She demands treble damages. The class is represented by Stephen DeNittis of Marlton, N.J.

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