Payer

UnitedHealth Group posted a profit of $2.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020, down about 38 percent from $3.5 billion in the same period of 2019. In its Jan. 20 financial release, UnitedHealth said the declines were expected as…

Here are four lawsuits, settlements and other legal actions involving commercial payers that were filed since Jan. 1:

UnitedHealthcare debuted a virtual primary care service that will be available to members in 11 states, the insurer said Jan. 14.

Capital BlueCross, a Pennsylvania-based insurer that covers close to 1 million members, is temporarily waiving virtual care fees through March 31, the insurer said Jan. 19.

On Jan. 15, CMS issued 2022 Medicare Advantage and Part D rates three months early in a move it says will give plans more time to calculate bids for the next coverage year. 

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield agreed to pay the Office for Civil Rights $5.1 million to settle potential HIPAA violations related to a data breach, HHS said Jan. 15. 

CMS released a final rule for states, health insurance exchanges and insurers in the individual and small group markets Jan. 14.

CMS released a final rule Jan. 15 that aims to lower cost-sharing for pricey prescription drugs for Medicare Advantage and Part D enrollees.

Here are three recent contract agreements or conflicts between payers, providers and employers:

The following payer executives changed their positions in January so far.