Prudential finding new clients as dispute nears arbitration. (Prudential Health Care System of Tampa Bay)

While a doctors' group "fired" by Prudential Health Care System of Tampa Bay prepares to go into arbitration over $6 million in back-pay claims, Prudential says newly signed companies will more than make up for the business it lost due to the dispute.

TECO Energy, the City of Clearwater and other new health insurance clients will add about 10,000 new enrollees as of Jan. 1, said Prudential Tampa Bay Area Executive Director Bartow Hester.

"We feel it's an endorsement by the business community that we're doing the right thing," said Hester of the new business, which includes 4,000 people associated with TECO (employees and dependents and the like) and 3,000 from Clearwater's city government.

About six companies thus far have said they will not renew with Prudential, while several other companies have adjusted their health care coverage to accommodate employees who want to stick with …