Author: Andrew Cass

Prior authorization reforms remain a major advocacy priority for provider trade groups in 2025, and several state lawmakers have also introduced legislation to bring changes to the process.

Cigna's board of directors declared a $1.51 per share cash dividend to be paid March 20. 

Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University will go out of network with UnitedHealthcare if the two sides are unable to reach a new contract agreement by March 31, Willamette Week reported Jan. 30. 

Rhode Island lawmakers have introduced legislation that would prohibit payers from requiring prior authorization for treatment or services ordered by a patient's primary care provider. 

Here are 10 updates on UnitedHealth Group and its subsidiaries that Becker's has reported since Jan. 9: 

A Minnesota federal judge has given preliminary approval to UnitedHealth's agreement to pay $69 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging the company prioritized its business relationship with Wells Fargo over concerns that its 401(k) plan contained low-performing target-date funds.

An Indiana lawmaker has reintroduced legislation that would cap all prior authorization rates at 1%, the Indiana Capital Journal reported Jan. 23. 

A Texas lawmaker has introduced a bill that would prohibit payers from using artificial intelligence to delay, deny or modify claims, NBC affiliate KXAN reported Jan. 21. 

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

Oklahoma Medicaid Director Traylor Rains is leaving the role at the end of January for a job with consulting firm Deloitte, StateImpact Oklahoma reported Jan. 17.