Today's Top 20 Payer Articles
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3 payers extending COVID-19 cost-sharing waivers
Several commercial health insurers will waive member cost-sharing — which includes copays, deductibles and coinsurance — for COVID-19 treatment further into this year. -
Bundled payment programs can lead to significant savings for payers, patients: RAND
When cost-sharing is waived for patients who use providers in bundled payment agreements, both payers and patients can see significant savings, according to a new study from the RAND Corp., a nonprofit think tank. The study was published March 1 in Health Affairs. -
UnitedHealth opens 'pop-up' infusion center for COVID-19 patients in Minnesota
UnitedHealth Group temporarily opened an infusion center in its headquarters of Minnetonka, Minn., to provide eligible COVID-19 patients access to antibody treatments, according to the Star Tribune. -
Blue Shield of California revises vaccine contract after asking UC Health for patient data, report says
Blue Shield of California, which is overseeing COVID-19 vaccine distribution for the state, initially wanted "expansive" patient data from the University of California Health System in Oakland, according to the Los Angeles Times. -
Health insurers have to cover COVID-19 tests for asymptomatic people, CMS says
CMS issued a guidance Feb. 26 that requires group health plans to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing even if a person doesn't have symptoms or a suspected exposure, among other requirements. -
5 recent health programs, pilots launched by payers
From readmission reduction programs to chronic care pilots and at-home COVID-19 testing, here are five health programs payers have recently launched: -
BCBS claims data: Low HPV vaccination rate worsens amid pandemic
Low vaccination rates for human papillomavirus infection fell even more during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to claims data from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. -
Cigna calls on New Jersey court to end lab's lawsuit over COVID-19 payments
Cigna asked a New Jersey federal court to end a lawsuit filed by a radiology lab that claims the health insurer wrongfully denied payment for COVID-19 services, according to court documents and Law 360. -
Cigna's Evernorth to acquire MDLive
Evernorth, Cigna's health services business, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire telehealth company MDLive, the companies said Feb. 26. -
8 recent payer-provider contract agreements, conflicts
Here are eight recent contract agreements or conflicts between payers, providers and employers: -
23 payer exec moves in February
The following payer executive changes were announced in February: -
Board diversity at payers: 3 insights from the Leverage Network
White men occupied 89 percent of board seats in payer organizations in 2018, according to a study from the Leverage Network, an organization that promotes Black leadership. -
4 health insurers on 'world's most ethical companies' list for 2021
Four commercial payers were among 135 companies identified as the "World's Most Ethical" for 2021 by the Ethisphere Institute, a company that defines and measures corporate ethical standards. -
Highmark, HealthNow New York win state approval for affiliation
The New York State Department of Financial Services approved an affiliation between Pittsburgh-based Highmark Health and Buffalo-based HealthNow New York, according to a Feb. 24 news release. -
6 payers on Forbes' list of best large US employers
Six health insurers were named to Forbes' annual list of "America's best large employers." -
Aetna protests Oklahoma managed Medicaid picks: 4 things to know
Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma is protesting the selection of four other private insurers to manage Oklahoma's Medicaid program, according to The Frontier. -
Oscar launches $1B IPO: 3 things to know
Oscar Health launched its initial public offering Feb. 22. With an offer of 31 million shares at $32 to $34 each, Oscar could raise $1.05 billion at the top of that range. -
Horizon BCBS issues nearly $50M in rebates
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is sending $48.2 million worth of rebates to members who had individual plans in 2019, according to the Asbury Park Press. -
OU Health Physicians, BCBS of Oklahoma disagree ahead of contract deadline
OU Health Physicians, the physician group of Oklahoma City-based OU Health, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma haven't been able to finalize a new contract renewal ahead of an upcoming deadline. -
Molina CFO retires; successor named
Thomas Tran retired as CFO of Molina Healthcare Feb. 17, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.