Payer

St. Charles, Mo.-based Mercy patients with health insurance through Indianapolis-based Anthem will be able to access Mercy providers at in-network prices beginning Jan. 1, 2018.

The majority of consumers are using their health savings accounts as an alternative checking account and not an investment account, according to an Employee Benefit Research Institute brief.

Mississippi Affiliated Health Network, a 13-hospital physician-led network in Jackson, aligned with Hartford Conn.-based Aetna for an integrated care delivery model.

Health insurers are speaking out in opposition to a proposal by Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Mike Lee of Arizona that would allow payers to offer plans that don't meet ACA coverage requirements, according to Politico.

The following payers made headlines this week, beginning with the most recent.

Fort Myers, Fla.-based Lee Health may end its in-network contract with WellCare Health Plans, a Tampa, Fla.-based Medicaid managed care provider, in 2019, The News-Press reports.

Tulsa-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma's contracts with three Kansas City, Mo.-based Rural Community Hospitals of America subsidiaries expired July 1 following failed negotiations, according to NewsOK.

A $310 million program to provide eligible Minnesota residents 25 percent rebates to offset the cost of health insurance is under budget, Pioneer Press reports.

CMS greenlighted Alaska's section 1332 state innovation wavier application to expand its reinsurance program for individuals with high-cost conditions.

New York City-based Oscar Health and Louisville, Ky.-based Humana will offer small employer health plans in Nashville, Tenn., through a strategic partnership.