Payer

Optum and St. Louis-Mo.-based SSM Health are partnering on a range of functions to improve accessible, affordable healthcare across the Midwest.

A lawsuit out of Florida is challenging Anthem's decision not to cover an air ambulance trip, despite the patient's physician deeming it medically necessary.

New York insurers and employers are bracing for the impacts of Gov. Kathy Hochul's sweeping measures to address hospital staffing shortages by waiving prior authorizations, among other requirements. 

The latest conversations surrounding expanding Medicaid coverage involve considerations of pulling funds bookmarked for encouraging expansions and instead using them to create a federal option.

Minneapolis-based Bright HealthCare is entering Texas as it offers new plans in three cities. 

Boardman, Ohio-based Southwood Health is now in network for Humana members as of Oct. 1.

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser paid $13.5 million in overdue health premiums for individuals and businesses with DC Health Link coverage. 

Here are five recent lawsuits and settlements involving payers:

Two studies published Oct. 6 — one by Mercer shared with Becker's and one by Willis Towers Watson — project employer health benefit costs to increase between 4.7 and 5.2 percent in 2022.

United Health Foundation's "America’s Health Rankings 2021 Health of Women and Children Report" report cites an increase in maternal mortality and a decrease in women and child physical activity.