More New Jersey insurers are giving patients the ability to talk with physicians via a phone call or video conference regardless of what time it is, according to a New Jersey Spotlight report.
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Although medical costs associated with influenza are seasonal, they can marginally affect health plan medical costs, according to Brian Wright, a Stern Agee analyst.
A battle between Blue Shield of California and Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health has prevented the two from entering into a new contract, according to a Los Angeles Times report.
Despite the 2008 mental health parity law, some health plans on state exchanges have not yet leveled access to mental health services to equal physical health coverage, according to Kaiser Health News.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has sent a letter to the CEOs of Pittsburgh-based UPMC and health insurer Highmark Health requiring the two parties to resolve continuity of care issues for Highmark customers, according to a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report.
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Five Michigan health organizations that signed innovative, value-based reimbursement contracts with Detroit-based Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan years ago have received their first payouts totaling $25 million, according to a Crain's Detroit Business report.
The following issues involving hospitals and insurers were reported within the past few months, beginning with the most recent.
Cincinnati-based UC Health and health insurer UnitedHealthcare have agreed on a contract covering 20,000 UnitedHealthcare customers who get health insurance through their employers, according to a Cincinnati Enquirer report.
Insurance regulators in Washington, D.C., have ordered health insurer CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield to provide $56 million in community health needs due to its cash reserve being "excessive," according to a Washington Post report.
The rate contract between Cincinnati-based UC Health and health insurer UnitedHealthcare is set to expire this week and if a new contract isn't reached, UnitedHealthcare members might have to pay out-of-network costs for care at UC Health facilities, according to…