1. BCBS of Kansas employees donate over $200k to United Way
The highest number of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas donors in recent years raised a total of $234,262.58 for the United Way of Greater Topeka — a nonprofit that focuses on education, financial stability and strength.
2. UnitedHealth to buy 32nd Brazilian hospital for $350M
Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealth Group is acquiring its 32nd hospital in Brazil for an estimated cost of approximately $350 million, according to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
3. UnitedHealth will not pay insurance broker commissions on individual ACA plans
Minnetonka, Minn.-based insurer UnitedHealth Group does not plan to pay broker commissions on the sale of individual health plans in many states where it participates in the health insurance marketplace, according to the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
4. Cigna CEO: We haven’t made money on ACA marketplace plans
Cigna is losing money on its Affordable Care Act marketplace plans, but the Bloomfield, Conn.-based insurer remains committed and is not considering pulling out of the exchanges, unlike UnitedHealthcare.
5. Blue Shield of California ACOs save $325M in 5 years
Since Blue Shield of California began its accountable care programs in 2010, it has generated more than $325 million in savings between all its provider affiliates combined, according to Kristen Miranda, Blue Shield’s senior vice president of strategic partnerships and innovation.
6. BCBS of Michigan to slash $300M in expenses by 2018
By 2018, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will cut $300 million in costs, according to Crain’s Detroit Business.
7. UnitedHealthcare, IHN of Wisconsin exceed quality goals in first year of ACO
The Milwaukee-based Integrated Health Network of Wisconsin eclipsed its clinical quality goals in its first year partnering with UnitedHealthcare for accountable care.
8. 3 major Iowa health systems sign Medicaid contracts
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, UnityPoint Health in Des Moines, Iowa, and Genesis Health System in Davenport, Iowa, agreed to Medicaid managed care contracts, according to the office of Gov. Terry Branstad.
9. Anthem-Cigna merger moves forward after shareholders approve deal
Shareholders of Anthem and Cigna overwhelmingly approved the merger of the two health plans during a special shareholder meeting.
10. Kentucky Republican senators won’t block Medicaid expansion funding despite prior GOP opposition
Kentucky’s Republican senate leaders said they will not prevent the $250 million in state funding needed to pay for the state’s Medicaid expansion program, according to The Associated Press.
11. Oscar Health cuts commissions amid turmoil in health insurance market
Last month, New York-based insurer Oscar Health sent a letter that notified brokers of adjusted commission rates beginning in February, according to Crain’s New York Business.
12. Over 10k Montanans sign up for expanded Medicaid coverage
After Montana became the 30th state to expand Medicaid in November, it has seen a surge in the number of enrollees signing up for coverage, according to KTVQ.com.
More articles on payer issues:
All together now: 3 healthcare executives on the new normal for payer-provider relationships
Health insurers in the news: Nov. 19-Dec. 3
Implications of proposed health insurer mergers: 6 things to know
