From Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts announcing cash incentives for patients shopping healthcare prices to UnitedHealth Group requesting a federal judge drop a lawsuit claiming the payer defrauded Medicare $1 billion, here are five payers making headlines this week.
1. BCBS of Massachusetts to pay members up to $250 per procedure when they shop
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts will pay members to shop for lower-cost providers with good quality ratings.
2. UnitedHealth urges judge to drop lawsuit claiming the payer defrauded Medicare $1B+
UnitedHealth Group asked a federal judge to toss a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department alleging the payer knowingly inflated risk adjustment scores to increase payment.
3. Northwell Health, Cigna avoid going out of network with new agreement
New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health signed an agreement with Cigna to maintain their 20-year network relationship.
4. Physicians argue Anthem's ER policy violates federal law
Physicians are concerned about a new policy Anthem is rolling out in Indiana in January.
5. Premier Health terminates agreement to sell insurance branch: 4 things to know
Washington, D.C.-based Evolent Health, a value-based care platform, will no longer purchase Dayton, Ohio-based Premier Health's insurance arm, Evolent officials said Dec. 8.