The following collaborations, partnerships and agreements between payers and other entities took place or were announced in January, beginning with the most recent.
1. Aetna enters 4-year reinsurance agreement with Vitality Re VIII
Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna entered a four-year reinsurance arrangement with Vitality Re VIII Limited as part of its long-term capital management strategy.
2. Capital BlueCross acquires Vibra Health Plan
Harrisburg, Pa.-based Capital BlueCross will acquire a majority interest in Vibra Health Plan in Harrisburg.
3. Cigna, HeartWell team up for value-based program for heart disease
Bloomfield, Conn.-based Cigna and HeartWell, a medical practice with 23 cardiologists in nine south Florida offices, launched a program to improve quality and cost of care for chronic coronary artery disease patients.
4. Anthem BCBS renews Indiana Medicaid contracts
Indianapolis-based Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield renewed its managed care contracts with Indiana's Medicaid programs.
5. Anthem extends partnership with IT provider Inovalon
Indianapolis-based Anthem inked a multiyear extension of its partnership with health IT company Inovalon in Bowie, Md.
6. Regence BCBS teams up with intergenerational housing community
Portland, Ore.-based Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon partnered with Bridge Meadows — an intergenerational housing community in Portland — to continue the organization's growth in local communities.
7. WellCare closes Care1st Health Plan acquisition
WellCare Health Plans finalized its acquisition of Care1st Health Plan Arizona and its two subsidiaries Care1st Health Plan Arizona and One Care.
8. Excellus BCBS, Geneia collaborate for value-based analytics
Rochester, N.Y.-based Excellus BlueCross BlueShield partnered with Geneia, a healthcare delivery solutions developer, to provide value-based analytics to the health plan.
9. New WellStar-Blue Cross exchange contract gives patients until Jan. 31 to enroll
A decision by Marietta, Ga.-based WellStar Health System and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia to collaborate on a federal exchange health plan will allow patients to enroll in coverage through Jan. 31.
10. UnitedHealthcare expands corporate wellness program to include Fitbit health tracker
Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealthcare added the Fitbit Charge 2 fitness tracker to its employee wellness program.
11. Interpace Diagnostics, BCBS form clinical agreement
Interpace Diagnostics, a diagnostic testing and pathology services provider, agreed to participate in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association's Center for Clinical Effectiveness program "Evidence Street."