The following payers made headlines this week, beginning with the most recent.
1. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky appoints president
Lexington-based Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky named Kennan Wethington president, effective Oct. 16.
2. BCBS of Minnesota to reduce mental health providers' reimbursement by about 18%
Eagan-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota plans to decrease reimbursement for a standard hour-long therapy session by roughly 18 percent Jan. 1.
3. Humana to offer older employees early retirement
Louisville, Ky.-based Humana rolled out a voluntary early retirement program for employees age 55 or older.
4. Critics argue Anthem's new outpatient imaging policy is at odds with promoting quality
Some healthcare analysts say Anthem's new imagining policy for hospital-based MRI and CT scans counters quality improvement efforts.
5. CareFirst CEO to retire next year
Chet Burrell, president and CEO of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield in Baltimore, will retire in mid-2018.
6. Anthem seeks double-digit premium increase in California due to 30% hike in drug costs
Anthem Blue Cross in California requested a 35 percent premium rate increase for its 2018 ACA exchange plans, citing a significant increase in prescription drug use.
7. Hendrick Health System, BCBS in contract spat
Abilene, Texas-based Hendrick Health System is disputing its contract with BlueCross BlueShield of Texas in Richardson.
8. UnitedHealth, AARP team up with USC, Lyft to get low-income seniors to medical appointments
Ride share company Lyft and the University of Southern California in Los Angeles received $1 million from the AARP Foundation, part of a $6 million grant from UnitedHealth Group, to pilot a senior transportation program.