Payer

Alignment Healthcare, a California-based Medicare Advantage insurer, is expanding into several markets in California, Nevada and North Carolina in 2021. 

Anthem filed a lawsuit against one of its former executives that left to work at a competing health plan.

Frank Williams, the CEO of Evolent Health, is stepping down from the role Oct. 1.

The U.S. Justice Department accused Cigna of using improper diagnostic codes to artificially inflate reimbursement for its Medicare Advantage plans by $1.4 billion in a lawsuit. 

With Missouri voters approving Medicaid expansion Aug. 4, there are now 12 states that haven't adopted expansion. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is returning $101 million in premium refunds and rebates to members due to lower healthcare costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Like other big commercial health insurers, Humana's revenue and profit soared in the second quarter of this year. Results were heavily affected by "the significant, temporary deferral of care" brought by stay-at-home orders and other pandemic-related measures.

Missouri residents voted in favor of expanding the state's Medicaid program Aug. 4, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

CMS said Aug. 4 that it will allow health insurers to temporarily lower premiums for members in the individual and small group markets to help Americans who are facing financial hardship amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has affected the role of health insurers as new pressures are placed on the medical and social needs of their members.