Payer

CMS' decision to fine UnitedHealthcare $2.5 million following an audit of its Medicare services struck a chord with Becker's Hospital Review readers this week. 

Joseph Swedish, CEO of Indianapolis-based Anthem, said certain proposals outlined in Republicans' ACA replacement bill, the American Health Care Act, are "essential and must be finalized quickly" to address issues in the individual insurance market, according to a letter obtained by the Morning Consult. 

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

Health insurers face a myriad of changes under the GOP's proposed plan to repeal and replace the ACA. However, the ways in which the American Health Care Act may affect payers vary across the industry.

Minneapolis-based Children's Minnesota terminated its contract with Eagan-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, a decision that could result in more than 70,000 patients losing in-network access to the hospital's services. 

Three insurers managing Iowa's $5 billion Medicaid program posted more than $100 million in losses in 2016, the first year private insurers took over the program, according to The Gazette.

Indianapolis-based Anthem Blue Cross began offering Medicare beneficiaries in Missouri a Plan G supplement option, effective March 1. 

Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna submitted feedback in response to the proposed changes CMS issued last month to stabilize the health insurance market, according to the Hartford Courant.

Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealthcare will purchase Eastwood, N.Y.-based insurance administrator Pomco for an undisclosed amount, according to syracuse.com.

CMS fined Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealthcare $2.5 million after an audit found systemic compliance problems with its Medicare health plans that led beneficiaries to experience delayed or denied access to prescription drug coverage, according to the Star Tribune.