Though healthcare organizations often divide themselves between the "dark" and "bright" sides, with payers and providers swapping sides depending on who's doing the labeling, both groups are actually on the same side.

Indiana temporarily suspended its Medicaid work requirements amid ongoing legal challenges at the federal level.

Diabetic patients who switch to a high-deductible health plan may be more likely to leave name-brand medication unfilled, according to a study funded by Merck and published by JAMA Network Open.

States that implemented programs to help health insurers offset the cost of covering sick members saw lower premiums, according to an analysis from healthcare consulting firm Avalere Health.

The resignation of Patrick Conway, MD, as CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield North Carolina after an alcohol-related car accident is "a major setback, both for Blue Cross NC and for those battling addiction nationwide," a former U.S. representative wrote in an opinion article for The News & Observer.

Haven, the healthcare venture formed by Amazon, JPMorgan Chase and Berkshire Hathaway, has begun testing some of its new insurance offerings on employees in several states, according to Bloomberg. 

UnitedHealthcare rolled out a new benefit aimed at lowering the use of imaging tests, surgeries and opioids for members with acute lower back pain.

Layoffs at UnitedHealth Group, controversy surrounding North Carolina's Medicaid contracts and CMS Medicare star ratings were among the payer topics that piqued the interest of readers in October.

Here are 10 recent articles posted by Becker's Hospital Review that concern payer-provider relationships:

UMass Memorial Health Care patients with UnitedHealthcare insurance may face higher out-of-pocket costs if the insurer and the Worcester, Mass.-based health system can't agree on a new contract, according to the Telegram.

WellCare Health Plans grew its profits and membership as its pending sale to Centene Corp. moves forward, according to Forbes contributor Bruce Japsen.

Asheville, N.C.-based Mission Health and Cigna entered into a multiyear agreement that ensures Cigna's members have undisrupted access to Mission facilities and providers, the organizations said Oct. 30.

Molina Healthcare lost part of a contract to manage Medicaid services in Texas, according to Seeking Alpha.

Cigna saw its revenues and profits grow in the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, according to a recent earnings statement.

The following payer executives changed their positions in October.

Fewer employers are offering their workers only high-deductible health plans this open enrollment season, according to Kaiser Health News.

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska is investing $5.7 million into rural healthcare access in the state, the insurer said Oct. 29.

Molina Healthcare saw revenue and net income decline in the third quarter of fiscal year 2019, according to recent earnings statements.

Kimberly Ross will join Cigna's board of directors June 1, 2020, the health insurer said Oct. 29.

Health Care Service Corp., the parent company of several Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, launched a campaign Oct. 29 to help uninsured or underinsured Americans access coverage.