The National Association of State Budget Officers reported state spending hit a record $2 trillion in fiscal 2018, thanks largely to growth in Medicaid spending, according to Reuters.  By Emily Rappleye - 11/16/18

The small and medium-sized (SMB) health plan market has a broad geographical footprint.  By Mary Swaykus - 11/16/18

On Nov. 6, CMS filed an appeal to a September judgment that overturned a 2014 overpayment rule for Medicare Advantage plans.  By Morgan Haefner - 11/16/18

Arkansas said more than 12,000 Medicaid beneficiaries no longer have coverage because they did not comply with new work requirements, according to data cited by The Hill.  By Morgan Haefner - 11/16/18

The number of Americans without health insurance was 28.5 million in the first six months of 2018, 20.1 million less than when the ACA was signed into law in 2010, according to CDC data cited by Bloomberg.  By Morgan Haefner - 11/16/18

Cigna appointed Jim Hickey, a former executive for Aetna, as market president for its South Texas commercial plans.  By Morgan Haefner - 11/16/18

When healthcare providers and payers forge strong collaborations, it quickens the amount of time it takes to turn medical research into usable procedures, according to a report from the Alliance of Community Health Plans.  By Morgan Haefner - 11/16/18

CMS is expanding states' ability to determine how providers get paid for rendering residential mental health services.  By Morgan Haefner - 11/15/18

Humana became the newest member of CAQH, a national alliance of health plans, associations and other stakeholders that focuses on streamlining the business of healthcare, in part through technological solutions.  By Morgan Haefner - 11/15/18

Nevada has the lowest average Medicare Advantage costs for 2019, according to a study from HealthMarkets, a health insurance agency.  By Kelly Gooch - 11/14/18

Kansas has the largest decrease in average annual Medicare Advantage costs for 2019, while New Hampshire has the largest increase, according to a study from HealthMarkets, a health insurance agency.  By Kelly Gooch - 11/14/18

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, in partnership with College Station-based Texas A&M University Health Science Center, will launch a project aimed at improving rural healthcare.  By Alia Paavola - 11/14/18

UnitedHealthcare is offering participants in its health rewards program a free version of the Apple Watch with just one catch — members must walk at least 10,000 steps a day, CNBC  reports.  By Julie Spitzer - 11/14/18

Customer satisfaction with commercial health insurers has stagnated after two years of improvement, according to ACSI's Finance and Insurance Report 2018.  By Morgan Haefner - 11/14/18

Humana released its annual value-based care report detailing how tying payment to performance outcomes affected Medicare Advantage patients and their providers.  By Morgan Haefner - 11/14/18

James Hengen, the husband of a UnitedHealth Group executive, has agreed to pay nearly $140,000 to resolve Securities and Exchange Commission charges that he engaged in insider trading after spying on his wife, according to the Star Tribune.  By Leo Vartorella - 11/14/18

Cigna health plan members may no longer have in-network access to Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare's Memphis, Tenn.-based facilities if the two parties can't agree on a contract renewal by Dec. 31, according to The Memphis Commercial Appeal.  By Alia Paavola - 11/14/18

Health insurance startup Oscar Health filed a lawsuit against Florida Blue accusing the company of inking exclusive policy agreements with brokers to steer individuals toward Florida Blue plans only.  By Morgan Haefner - 11/13/18

Two Humana executives sold about $3.4 million combined in shares after the health insurer's stock price hit a record high, according to separate Securities and Exchange Commission filings.  By Morgan Haefner - 11/13/18

In Minnesota, a new federal law will force more than 300,000 people to switch Medicare coverage for 2019. As open enrollment continues, several Medicare Advantage health plans sold by large private insurers are offering benefits like free meals and hospital rides to entice members, according to the Star Tribune.  By Morgan Haefner - 11/13/18