Payer

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how large employers are planning for healthcare costs and benefits for their employees, according to a survey from the Business Group on Health.

Cleveland Clinic and Aetna are forming an accountable care organization that includes the launch of a co-branded insurance plan designed for employers in Northeast Ohio and expanded access to the health system for second opinions and heart care. 

Anthem and Quest Diagnostics will collaborate on outcomes-based programs under a new partnership, the organizations said Aug. 17.  

Antitrust claims filed by Humana against Mallinckrodt over price hikes the pharmaceutical company made on an anti-inflammatory drug can advance, a federal judge said Aug. 14.

Cape Girardeau, Mo.-based Saint Francis Healthcare System debuted a direct contracting health option Aug. 17. 

America's uninsured population has fluctuated as the COVID-19 pandemic caused many to lose health insurance due to layoffs and furloughs.

Here are 10 payers that are returning premium revenue to members due to lower healthcare costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Highmark Health, the health insurer that owns Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Health Network, continued to see strong finances in the first half of this fiscal year despite AHN's $116 million operating loss.

The following payer executives changed their positions in August.

UnitedHealthcare will be replacing paper checks with electronic payments throughout the rest of this year, the health insurer said in an August bulletin.