CMS’ payment increase of 5.03% in 2026 “will likely significantly support the recovery” of Medicare Advantage plans as they continue to face rising medical costs, according to Fitch Ratings. Increased government scrutiny, reduced base payments and rising utilization in the…
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Medicare Advantage plans spent $38 billion on non-Medicare benefits in 2024, according to a Medicare Payment Advisory Commission report. The group, which advises Congress on Medicare issues, held a meeting April 10. According to a presentation, MA plans received $83…
At least 11 states are considering work requirements for their Medicaid programs. President Donald Trump backed Medicaid work requirements during his first administration. During Mr. Trump’s first term in office, 13 states chose to implement work requirements in their Medicaid…
When it comes to delivering health care, Medicaid health plans are committed to serving our most vulnerable members. However, funding cuts compromise our ability to provide quality care. Instead, we advocate for “smart spending” – increased investments into Medicaid that…
Providence Health Plan’s food-as-medicine program has “blazed a trail” in the space, according to Melissa Topp, MSN, RN, executive director for care management. The program has led to 82% of participating members seeing an improvement in their food disparity score,…
California faces the biggest potential coverage losses if federal Medicaid work requirements are enacted, according to an April 14 analysis from the Urban Institute. About five million adults nationwide could lose Medicaid coverage next year under a federal work requirement…
The Justice Department’s lawsuit challenging UnitedHealth Group’s planned $3.3 billion acquisition of home health company Amedisys is headed to mediation Aug. 18, according to court records. Five things to know: 1. U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Gauvey ordered mediation April 10. …
As consumers seek convenient ways to manage their health, digital health solutions – also known as health and wellness apps – have seen a significant surge. These tools, which offer a variety of services, including support for weight loss and…
Google Ads may have accessed some protected health information of Blue Shield of California members, the company disclosed April 9. According to the notice, Blue Shield learned Google Analytics was configured on its websites in a way that allowed certain…
When it comes to benefits, employers often look for two things: new ways to keep up with rising healthcare costs and more flexibility in how they offer benefits. To meet these expectations, Providence Health Plan is calibrating its offerings for…