Blue Cross of Idaho is implementing “organizational changes” to boost efficiency and lower costs, affecting fewer than 90 roles, a spokesperson confirmed to Becker’s Jan. 21. “These decisions were not easy to make but position Blue Cross of Idaho to…
Author: Elizabeth Casolo
ACA plans are too expensive for the majority of Americans, according to a study published Jan. 6 in Medical Care. With enhanced subsidies still in limbo, the study relied on Commonwealth Fund definitions to evaluate unaffordability: At least 10% of…
UnitedHealthcare and St. Louis-based SSM Health have reached a multi-year agreement Jan. 20, amid a contract extension through Jan. 31, according to a news release shared with Becker’s. The agreement ensures individuals with commercial and Medicaid plans can still receive…
Founded in 2023, Texicare — a Texas Mutual affiliate — offers health coverage to small businesses throughout the state. Texicare President and CEO Meredith Duncan previously worked at Aetna, Bright Health and Kaiser Permanente. She spoke with Becker’s about the…
Matt Hocks is taking over managing Sanford Health Plan and Security Health Plan, according to a Jan. 7 news release. Mr. Hocks, executive vice president and COO of Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health, joined the system in 2004. He worked…
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CMS estimated there were $28.83 billion in improper payments for Medicare fee for service in fiscal 2025. Compared to 2024 reporting, that value is down from $31.7 billion. “While CMS’ improper payment reporting programs are designed to protect the integrity…
Bloomington, Minn.-based HealthPartners launched its copay-only health plan, Simplica NextGen Copay, this year. The plan sets prices for in-network care without a deductible or coinsurance. Moe Suleiman, senior vice president of commercial business, and Maggie Helms, senior vice president, chief…
As Blue Cross Blue Shield licensee Hawaii Medical Service Association and Honolulu-based Hawaii Pacific Health prepare to form One Health Hawaii, they are going under the microscope. A Jan. 13 informational briefing run by Hawaii’s House and Senate committees on…
Sustained GLP-1 use slows medical cost growth, according to findings published Jan. 13 from professional services firm Aon. The firm analyzed 192,000 GLP-1 users from July 2022 to March 2025, comparing outcomes to non-users, through commercial medical and pharmacy claims…
Alignment Healthcare has California roots, but its CEO, John Kao, is confident about planting seeds for growth elsewhere. Mr. Kao weighed in on Alignment’s strategy Jan. 14 during the J.P. Morgan 2026 Healthcare Conference in San Francisco. Just days before,…