Author: Andrew Cass

Ten providers recently posted job listings seeking leaders in payer contracting and relations.

Three states recently passed legislation reforming the prior authorization process:

From its Optum arm acquiring 10 Minnesota behavioral health clinics to shuffling its top legal lineup, here are 15 updates on UnitedHealth Group Becker's has reported since May 14: 

Oregon Health Plan — the state's Medicaid program — has named Emma Sandoe, PhD, as director. 

From two states passing reform laws to an Oregon health system making prior authorization 'a thing of the past' for cancer treatment, here are five prior authorization updates Becker's has reported since  

UnitedHealth Group said a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging an AI algorithm wrongfully denied Medicare Advantage patients care should be dismissed because "plaintiffs have failed to exhaust the exclusive administrative appeal process set by the Medicare Act for challenging coverage determinations."

An Oklahoma bill reforming the prior authorization process has been signed into law and goes into effect Jan. 1, The Journal Record reported May 21. 

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott has signed a bill to reform the prior authorization process in the state.

Here are eight lawsuits, settlements and legal developments involving payers that Becker's has reported since April 1: 

UnitedHealth Group is facing a proposed securities fraud class-action lawsuit alleging that the company failed to disclose that the Justice Department opened an antitrust investigation into the company.