Payer

UnitedHealth Group is adding new partnerships and striking contract deals, while its mergers and acquisitions continue to make the news. 

Alabama has some of the most concentrated commercial insurance markets in the country, according to a report from the American Medical Association. 

UnitedHealthcare is preparing for more members to join its ACA plans after Bright Health and Friday Health Plans have exited individual insurance markets in several states. 

Newly released audits show Medicare Advantage plans overbilled the federal government by millions between 2011 and 2013, with some plans overbilling an average of more than $1,000 per patient per year, Kaiser Health News reported Nov. 21. 

Georgia is moving forward with a limited Medicaid expansion plan that includes work requirements, Capitol Beat News Service reported Nov. 18.

Centene holds the largest share of the ACA exchange market in the U.S., at 15 percent, according to a study from the American Medical Association. 

Over 70 percent of Medicare Advantage members receive meal benefits as part of their plan, according to an analysis from Kaiser Family Foundation. 

Here are five startups that have received backing from payers this year: 

Medicare Advantage open enrollment is underway, and plans are adding more services for members. Some plans have expanded geographic areas, while others have pulled out of markets. 

More payers are combining customer service and community support in one place, opening centers in the communities they serve.