The following payers made headlines this week, beginning with the most recent.
1. Mission Health joins WellCare's provider network
Managed care company WellCare of North Carolina, a subsidiary of Tampa, Fla.-based WellCare Health Plans, added Asheville, N.C.-based Mission Health System to its provider network Aug. 28.
2. Analysis: UnitedHealth reflects 70% of successful business deals among US managed care providers
UnitedHealth Group constitutes more than 70 percent of successful business deals pursued by U.S. managed care companies during the past five years.
3. Integris, BCBS avoid contract dissolution with 2-year agreement
Oklahoma City-based Integris Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma in Tulsa eluded an Aug. 31 contract termination.
4. BCBS operator unveils innovation, cybersecurity hub in Dallas
Health Care Service Corp., the Chicago-based operator of Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, opened its Customer First Innovation Lab in Dallas Aug. 24.
5. Anthem changes coverage policy for MRIs, CT scans at hospitals
Indianapolis-based Anthem stopped covering outpatient MRIs and CT scans at hospitals without prior approval.
6. Cleveland Clinic, CareSource extend contract through November
Cleveland Clinic and CareSource, a Medicaid managed care plan in Dayton, Ohio, agreed to extend their in-network contract until Dec. 1.
7. MemorialCare Health System back in-network with Anthem Blue Cross
Fountain Valley, Calif.-based MemorialCare Health System reached a definitive agreement to be back in-network with Anthem Blue Cross after cutting ties in mid-August.
8. Aetna reveals customers' HIV status in envelope window
Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna inadvertently revealed the HIV status of some of its members when it mailed letters with information clearly visible through a window on the envelopes about filling prescriptions for HIV medications as well as pre-exposure prophylaxis, a pill that helps prevent a person from contracting HIV.