Payer

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, along with the 33 independent BCBS companies, have agreed to pay $2.8 billion to settle antitrust claims from healthcare providers, marking the largest settlement of its kind in the healthcare industry.

The Medicare annual enrollment period has begun, marked by significant changes in the Medicare Advantage market.

UnitedHealth, Humana and Florida Blue saw the largest declines in average star ratings out of the 15 largest Medicare Advantage insurers by membership, according to an analysis from Chartis. 

CMS has published its star ratings for 2025, and some insurers are pushing back. 

Fewer Medicare Advantage plans received ratings below 3-stars for 2025 compared to 2024. 

Just seven Medicare Advantage plans earned a 5-star rating from CMS for 2025. 

Average Medicare Advantage star ratings declined for the third year in a row, according to CMS data published Oct. 10. 

The average annual premiums for employer-sponsored insurance for families increased by 7% in 2024, according to KFF's annual Employer Health Benefits Survey. 

From suing — and getting sued by — the FTC, to naming a new chief legal officer, here are 10 updates on Cigna and its subsidiaries that Becker's has reported since Aug. 28:  

Insurers are offering early prescription refills and easing prior authorizations as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida.