CMS has lifted an enrollment suspension on Wellcare of Missouri’s Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The sanction was originally imposed Sept. 6, 2024, after Wellcare failed to meet the federal minimum medical loss ratio of 85%…
Payer
Medicare Advantage enrollment in rural America has quadrupled since 2010, reaching 40% of eligible beneficiaries in 2023, but still far below the 53% penetration in metropolitan areas. Rural beneficiaries now have an average of 27 MA plans to choose from,…
Employers are expecting a median healthcare cost increase of 10% in 2026, according to a survey from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. The results reflect the responses from 150 corporate and single employers surveyed between July 30 and…
Humana and DrFirst are launching a new program aimed at closing care gaps among patients with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The first phase of the program will look to increase the use of statin therapy…
The coming year is expected to be an even more “intense and disruptive” period for Medicare Advantage, as rising utilization, pharmacy costs and shifting market dynamics put new pressure on plans, while also creating opportunities for provider-sponsored models. Becker’s connected…
A New York man has been arrested and charged with cyberstalking after allegedly harassing and sending threatening voicemail messages to a family member of murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, federal authorities said Aug. 13. Between December 4 and 7, 2024,…
Priority Health, the insurance arm of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Corewell Health, is focused on long-term Medicare Advantage sustainability as the industry navigates rising costs and utilization. Becker’s connected with Interim President Nick Gates about how the insurer continues to integrate…
UnitedHealth Group’s board of directors authorized a $2.21 per-share cash dividend to be paid Sept. 23. The dividend will be paid to all shareholders of record as of the close of business Sept. 15, according to an Aug. 23 UnitedHealth…
Effectuated ACA enrollment has increased 13% since 2024 and nearly 93% of enrollees qualify for enhanced premium tax credits, according to an August report from CMS. Six notes:
Ten providers recently posted job listings seeking leaders in payer contracting and relations. Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Listings were compiled from job-seeker sites. 1. Akron (Ohio) Children‘s Hospital seeks a director of reimbursement and payer analysis. 2.…
