Payer

Cigna is significantly expanding its Medicare Advantage footprint for the 2021 open enrollment period, the insurer said Oct. 1.

Walmart is partnering with Medicare Advantage insurer Clover Health on its first health insurance plans. They'll be open to half a million people across eight counties in Georgia.

More than 4 million Americans enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program between February and June of this year, CMS said Sept. 30. 

The following payer executives changed their positions in September.

A new narrow-network health plan between UnitedHealthcare and two large Kansas City, Mo.-based providers could save employers up to 15 percent on monthly premiums, the insurer said Sept. 29.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is issuing $200 million in debit cards to members to help them buy medication and food during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Molina Healthcare entered into a definitive agreement to buy most of Affinity Health Plan's assets for about $380 million, the insurer said Sept. 29.

It's time for the government, payers and hospitals to work together on the future of healthcare during the pandemic and onward, according to Pam Kehaly, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.

Average premiums for Medicare Advantage plans will be an average 11 percent lower for the 2021 plan year compared to this year, CMS said Sept. 24.

Medicare Advantage startup Bright Health raised another $500 million in its latest venture capital funding round.