Payer

Here are four deals involving health plans announced since March 1:

Aetna's Medicaid managed care business in California named Verne Brizendine CEO, Aetna's parent company CVS Health said March 25.

Nationwide, Blue Cross Blue Shield companies are undertaking several initiatives to improve COVID-19 vaccine distribution in their communities. 

Thirty organizations representing patients and consumers issued a report urging people to avoid eight different health plans that don't have to follow ACA regulations.

Results from a prior authorization pilot launched by America's Health Insurance Plans are in, and participants saw electronic prior authorization significantly shorten the time between request and care delivery. 

Anthem agreed to acquire myNexus, a home-based nursing management company, for an undisclosed amount, the insurer said March 24.

While the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package expands health insurance subsidies available under the ACA, those subsidies may not reach people for some time because of website and logistical problems, according to The New York Times. 

Cleveland Clinic, Anthem and Eli Lilly collaborated on a concierge heart surgery program, the organizations said March 23.

The Biden administration has extended the special enrollment period for Americans to purchase health plans on the ACA marketplace by three months to Aug. 15.

Health Care Service Corp. struck a partnership with Collective Health, an employer health benefits startup, to bring technology services to HCSC members.