In response to an October executive order by President Donald Trump, HHS proposed regulatory changes Tuesday that would extend the availability of short-term insurance plans.
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New Mexico officials rejected claims its selection of managed care insurers to run its Medicaid program was biased, the Santa Fe New Mexican reports.
Two hospitals recently acquired by Peoria, Ill.-based OSF HealthCare from Chicago-based Presence are back in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois as of Feb. 16, The News-Gazette reports.
Anthem completed its acquisition of America's 1st Choice, a privately held for-profit Medicare Advantage plan in Florida.
Colorado, Washington and Connecticut have joined California in investigating Aetna after one of the health insurer's former medical directors admitted under oath he never reviewed patients' medical records when deciding whether to approve or deny claims, according to CNN.
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The Healthcare Financial Management Association asked 117 senior financial executives how hospitals, physicians and payers are feeling about using value-based payment models.
Anthem increased the number of "always pay" exceptions under its controversial discretionary emergency care policy.
Stock analysts have speculated that CVS Health's $69 billion deal to buy Aetna may push Walgreens Boots Alliance to purchase Humana or WellCare Health Plans, but those deals now appear less likely, according to TheStreet.
Aetna says comments a former medical director made under oath, which implied he never reviewed patients' medical records when deciding claim approvals or denials, are "a gross misrepresentation of how the process actually works."
Michael Guyette, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, will leave the insurer in March.