The following insurers made headlines this week. They are listed below, beginning with the most recent.
1. Hospitals lay out concerns about Aetna-Humana deal
The American Hospital Association submitted a letter to the Department of Justice and HHS this week citing concerns about the proposed Aetna-Humana deal. This is not the first time the AHA has expressed concerns regarding the recent insurance mega-mergers.
2. CMS to test value-based insurance model on Medicare Advantage plans
CMS announced the Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design Model, which aims to reduce the utilization of avoidable high-cost care while improving Medicare beneficiaries' health.
3. BCBS of Nebraska announces agreement with Nebraska Health Network
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska and Omaha-based Nebraska Health Network announced a value-based agreement, which will coordinate care and reduce waste and unnecessary medical expenditures.
4. Blue Shield of California executive pay increased by $24 million in 2012
San Francisco-based Blue Shield of California boosted executive compensation by $24 million in 2012, according to a confidential California Franchise Tax Board audit reviewed by the Los Angeles Times.
5. Blue Cross of NM pulls out of state exchange
Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico will pull out of New Mexico's state healthcare exchange for 2016, according to Las Cruces Sun-News. The company has lost over $19.2 million in 2015 on the individuals covered by plans on and off the exchange.