Payer

In January, some Blue Cross Blue Shield companies planned layoffs and buyouts to combat rising costs. 

Insurance CEOs hired police in multiple states to provide security and conduct checks at their homes following the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in late 2024, the Washington Post reported Jan. 29

Cigna's board of directors declared a $1.51 per share cash dividend to be paid March 20. 

A federal judge has partially dismissed a lawsuit filed by a former Johnson & Johnson employee alleging that the pharmaceutical giant mismanaged its employees’ prescription drug benefits, thereby violating its fiduciary duties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. 

Aetna, Blue Shield of California and Centene's Health Net have launched a shared, value-based payment model for reimbursing primary care physicians in California.

Centene and CVS Health had the highest rates of prior authorization denials in 2023, according to a report from KFF. 

 The Cigna Group saw a 34% decline in profits year over year as the company faces rising costs within its insurance business, according to its fourth quarter earnings report published Jan. 30.

Three TeamHealth-affiliated physician groups have filed a lawsuit against Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, alleging that the insurer breached its contract by improperly reducing reimbursements for emergency services. 

The Cigna Group will invest in making prior authorization faster and simpler in 2025, CEO David Cordani said. 

Rhode Island lawmakers have introduced legislation that would prohibit payers from requiring prior authorization for treatment or services ordered by a patient's primary care provider.