Payer

More than 230 U.S. representatives and 61 senators are asking HHS and CMS leaders to bolster a proposed rule aimed at streamlining the prior authorization process, Politico reported June 21. 

From announcing plans to eliminate 20 percent of its current prior authorizations, to closing its acquisition of LHC Group, here 10 UnitedHealth Group updates to know from the first six months of 2023: 

In a wide margin, UnitedHealth Group shareholders have rejected three proposals that revolved around health equity efforts, political donations and how much severance executives receive when they leave the company, according to regulatory filings published June 9.

CMS implemented several policy changes for Medicare Advantage plans in the first half of 2023, including adjusting payment rates and implementing stricter audits. 

Copay caps on prescription drug costs could slow the growth of retirees' expected healthcare costs, a report from Fidelity found. 

The way North Carolina's Medicaid expansion is financed could incentivize hospitals to increase prices, experts wrote in an article published June 21 in Health Affairs. 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota said access to peer support specialists will be a covered benefit for fully insured commercial plan members starting in 2024. 

Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Co. is most known for selling cheap prescription drugs directly to consumers through the mail, but those cheap prices have been turned into a benefits solution for health plans.

Administrative costs for Blue Cross Blue Shield plans rose in 2022, according to an analysis from Sherlock Company. 

Georgia's Medicaid work requirement program is set to take effect July 1, and it could serve as a model for other states, Politico reported June 20.