The following health insurers made headlines this week. They are listed below, beginning with the most recent.
1. Aetna-Humana trial closes with pressing questions from judge
Attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice and insurers Aetna and Humana answered a judge's closing questions during the final day of an antitrust trial in Washington, D.C., Dec. 21.
2. Cigna names managing director of Europe global health benefits business
Cigna Global Health Benefits Europe appointed John Kaye as managing director of its Europe global health benefits business.
3. BCBS of Nebraska to require precertification of nonemergency inpatient admissions on day 1
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska will start requiring first day precertification for nonemergency inpatient and observation admissions to hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
4. WellStar, BCBS team up for federal exchange plan
Marietta, Ga.-based WellStar Health System and Atlanta-based Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia will collaborate on a federal insurance exchange product.
5. BCBS of Vermont recognized for collaborating with mental health services
The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services of the Washington County Mental Health Services recognized Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont for its collaboration with and support of the center's mental health services.
6. Humana names president and regional market leader for senior products
Louisville, Ky.-based Humana promoted Catherine Field to president and Intermountain Region market leader for senior products.
7. BCBS of South Carolina adopts coverage for Acessa System
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina will provide coverage for Brentwood, Calif.-based Halt Medical's minimally invasive fibroid treatment.
8. BCBS of Louisiana, Amerigroup collaborate to improve state's Medicaid programs
Amerigroup Louisiana — a managed care organization — and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana signed an agreement to pursue Medicaid-focused collaboration for residents in the state's Medicaid, Medicaid Expansion and LaCHIP programs.
9. UnitedHealthcare refused emergency injunction to keep NMHS in network
A judge denied Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealthcare an emergency injunction to keep a contract with Tupelo-based North Mississippi Health Services intact until arbiters could be chosen to resolve a contract dispute.