Payer

Gov. Sean Parnell has decided not to expand Alaska's Medicaid program, citing the recent issues with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's launch.

Insurance industry members and insurance commissioners have expressed concern about President Barack Obama's recent decision to allow health plan providers to continue offering individual coverage next year that doesn't meet the reform law's requirements.

Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Ill., and UnitedHealthcare have agreed to a new four-year reimbursement deal after months of prolonged negotiations, according to a News-Democrat report.

Members of a Missouri senate panel tasked with considering Medicaid reform ideas have voted down the idea of expanding the program, according to a report from The Kansas City Star.

Boise, Idaho-based St. Luke's Health System will no longer be part of health insurer Humana's Medicare Advantage network as of Jan. 1, according to an Idaho Statesman report.

Health insurers Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and Pittsburgh-based Highmark have signed a letter of intent to pursue a stronger affiliation to achieve greater efficiencies and value.

The Wisconsin Hospital Association and Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) have asked the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to delay a Medicaid reform plan that will revoke coverage for thousands of state residents, according to a report from The Business Journal.

Nearly 32 percent of Americans consider themselves very or somewhat likely to purchase health insurance through their local hospital or health system, according to a survey conducted by Valence Health.

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission discussed possible post-acute care reimbursement reforms last week, including ways to improve Medicare payment for chronically critically ill patients in hospital settings.

CMS will deny certain Medicare claims that don't contain a valid national provider identifier for the ordering or certifying healthcare professional starting Jan. 6.