Payer

Payers and employers need to renew promotion of smoking cessation programs as smoking levels appear to be on the rise nationwide, according to a report from the Evernorth Research Institute.

Here are five recent lawsuits and settlements involving payers: 

Steve Hamman is out as president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, according to WCIA News. It is currently unclear whether Mr. Hamman was fired or resigned.

Major differences in federal and state regulations for payer network standards are likely leading to care access inequities, according to a report by Washington, D.C.-based Georgetown University's Health Policy Institute.

Proposed legislation making its way through Congress that would cap the out-of-pocket cost for insulin at $35 would do nothing to lower the price of insulin, according to health insurer lobby and trade group America's Health Insurance Plans. 

Roundstone Insurance is planning a major company expansion with the purchase of 65,000 square feet of office space for its new headquarters in suburban Cleveland.

The Government Accountability Office found that consumers face a variety of challenges accessing mental health benefits provided under their health plans, according to a March 30 report. 

UnitedHealthcare has agreed to pay a $100,000 fine after the Rhode Island health insurance commissioner's office found that the payer did not follow state law when it denied substance use disorder treatment claims. 

Aetna is being sued by Vanguard Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery for an alleged "unreasonably low" reimbursement rate for services from the Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based provider.

Members of the House Oversight and Reform Committee convened March 29 for a hearing dubbed "Examining the Pathways to Universal Health Coverage."