Today's Top 20 Stories
  1. 5 prior authorization updates

    From HHS asking insurers to pause prior authorizations in the wake of the change Healthcare cyberattack to a report finding that Medicare Part D plans have ramped up restrictions on prescription drugs, here are five updates on prior authorization Becker's has reported since Feb. 15: 
  2. AMA calls for list of payers offering advanced provider payments following Change hack

    The American Medical Association is asking for more flexibility and resources from the federal government for providers that continue to face disruptions from the Change Healthcare hack in late February.
  3. Humana's top execs could collectively make $75M if M&A deal occurs 

    Humana's top executives could collectively be paid more than $75 million if they leave the company or a change in control occurs, according to regulatory documents filed with the SEC on March 8.

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  1. White House urges UnitedHealth CEO to do more in wake of Change attack

    Officials with the Biden administration met with UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty on March 12, urging the company to provide more emergency funding to healthcare providers facing significant financial disruptions from a cyberattack on its subsidiary, Change Healthcare, people familiar with the meeting told The Washington Post. 
  2. AHIP, HHS diverge on relaxing prior authorizations after Change attack

    Suspending prior authorization requirements as providers continue to to face disruptions from the Change Healthcare hack could do more harm than good, according to AHIP. 
  3. 2 payers among nation's best startup employers in 2024

    Two new players in the health insurance space have been named among the best startups to work for in the U.S. in 2024 by Forbes.
  4. 9 states that could see more Medicare Advantage dollars in 2025

    Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in a few states could see increased supplemental benefits or reduced cost sharing in 2025, according to estimates from Berkeley Research Group. 

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  1. Optum looks to fast-track Oregon clinic purchase amid solvency 'emergency'

    UnitedHealth Group's Optum is seeking to fast-track its proposed purchase of Corvallis (Ore.) Clinic, citing an urgent need to "maintain the solvency" of the physician-owned organization.
  2. Aetna, NewYork-Presbyterian 'far apart' as contract deadline nears

    New York City-based NewYork-Presbyterian could go out of network with Aetna if the sides are unable to reach a new contract agreement by March 31, The Journal News reported March 12. 
  3. 8 payers cutting jobs | 2024

    Payers are trimming their workforces and cutting jobs due to financial or operational challenges, along with restructuring strategies. 
  4. Why primary care may cost less in Medicare Advantage

    Selective contracting with primary care physicians may be one factor behind lower per-patient expenses in Medicare Advantage, a study published in the March edition of Health Affairs found. 

How one Midwest hospital is driving financial efficiency with interconnected systems

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  1. Highmark lays off 182 employees

    Highmark has laid off 182 employees, a spokesperson for the company told Becker's March 11.
  2. Biden administration pitches 'Medicaid-like' coverage in nonexpansion states

    The Biden Administration is doubling down on a proposal to create "Medicaid-like" coverage for low-income adults in states that have not expanded the program. 
  3. How Elevance Health is improving health outcomes through an integrated spectrum of care

    The healthcare industry is rapidly evolving, transforming both patient experiences and healthcare delivery. It's essential to embrace an integrated spectrum of care, which encompasses in-person, digital, and virtual services to adapt to this changing landscape. This approach enables timely medical interventions, minimizes travel issues, ensures ongoing support, and ultimately results in better health outcomes.
  4. 9 payer M&A updates

    From the Elevance-Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana deal put on hold again to Cigna reaching a deal to sell its Medicare business, here are nine payer mergers and acquisitions updates Becker's has reported since Jan. 29: 
  5. A 'paradigm shift' in weight loss drug coverage

    Wegovy is now approved to be used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death, which could lead to broader payer coverage of the drug. 
  6. Elevance closes Paragon Health acquisition

    Elevance Health has closed the acquisition of infusion center and specialty pharmacy operator Paragon Healthcare. 
  7. HHS to UnitedHealth, payers: Help providers with cash flow following Change attack

    The federal government is urging UnitedHealth Group and other insurers to address cash flow issues among providers facing an absence of timely payments following the cyberattack on Change Healthcare in February.
  8. Aetna, Humana, Elevance sign on to Biden's cancer coverage proposal

    Seven insurers have pledged to cover navigation services for cancer and other serious illnesses. 
  9. Part D plans ramp up prior authorization

    Medicare Part D plans have ramped up restrictions on prescription drugs since 2011, a study published in the March edition of Health Affairs found. 

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