Payer

CMS has published its star ratings for 2025, and some insurers are pushing back. 

Fewer Medicare Advantage plans received ratings below 3-stars for 2025 compared to 2024. 

Just seven Medicare Advantage plans earned a 5-star rating from CMS for 2025. 

Average Medicare Advantage star ratings declined for the third year in a row, according to CMS data published Oct. 10. 

The average annual premiums for employer-sponsored insurance for families increased by 7% in 2024, according to KFF's annual Employer Health Benefits Survey. 

From suing — and getting sued by — the FTC, to naming a new chief legal officer, here are 10 updates on Cigna and its subsidiaries that Becker's has reported since Aug. 28:  

Insurers are offering early prescription refills and easing prior authorizations as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida. 

Authorizing Medicare to cover weight loss drugs would cost the federal government an estimated $35 billion over nine years, according to a new report from the Congressional Budget Office. 

From a "landmark policy change" to CVS Health announcing another round of layoffs, here are 10 updates on Aetna that Becker's has reported since Aug. 13: 

L.A. Care will pay a $55 million penalty to resolve allegations the plan improperly denied claims, and had a backlog of unresolved grievances.