The following payers made headlines this past week, beginning with the most recent.
1. Gov. Christie criticizes Horizon BCBS over addiction treatment funding
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, R, blasted Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey as one of the "rich insurance companies" that failed to "help take care of poor, drug-addicted" residents.
2. DOJ joins another lawsuit accusing UnitedHealth of Medicare fraud
The U.S. Department of Justice joined a second whistle-blower lawsuit against Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealth Group that alleges the insurer sought fraudulent Medicare Advantage payments.
3. CHI Health joins BCBS of Nebraska's Medicare network
Grand Island, Neb.-based CHI Health, part of Englewood, Colo.-based Catholic Health Initiatives, will enter Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska's Medicare Advantage network beginning April 1.
4. Highmark names Dr. Charles DeShazer CMO
Pittsburgh-based Highmark Health Plan selected Charles DeShazer, MD, as CMO.
5. Unsettled RWJBarnabas-Aetna contract puts 45k policyholders on notice
West Orange, N.J.-based RWJBarnabas Health may leave Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna's provider network if the two parties fail to agree on reimbursement rates.
6. Judge says projected $2.4B savings in Anthem-Cigna deal could improve competition
Three judges heard appellate arguments from Anthem on March 24, as the insurer pled its case against a district court's ruling blocking its merger with Cigna.
7. Hartford HealthCare, UnitedHealthcare negotiations stall ahead of contract deadline
Hartford (Conn.) HealthCare warned patients with commercial or Medicare plans through Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealthcare and its subsidiary Oxford Health Plans may no longer be able to access all of its hospitals, facilities and physicians at in-network rates should the parties' contract dissolve.