Payer

The average cost of family health plans offered by employers crept above $18,000 in 2016, despite relatively low growth in overall health insurance expenses, according to Kaiser Family Foundation's annual employer survey.  

ConnectiCare changed course Tuesday, deciding to remain in the state Affordable Care Act exchange next year and drop its rate appeal, reports Harford Courant.

With open enrollment approaching, global advisory, broking and solutions company Willis Towers Watson said employees should engage with their employers to better understand health insurance benefits. 

Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealthcare had the highest medical enrollment of any U.S. health plan as of the first quarter of 2016.

Medicare beneficiaries are still wrongly denied coverage of skilled nursing, home healthcare or outpatient therapy because of their failure to improve, reports The New York Times.

An effort to enlist health insurers to Minnesota's state exchange lapsed, as state officials were not able to secure more health plans in time for 2017 open enrollment, the Star Tribune reports.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island inked a contract with technology solutions company Virgin Pulse to offer a member wellness program to enhance and maintain healthy habits.

Health insurer Aetna expects to reaffirm its projected fiscal year 2016 income per share of $6.28 to $6.48, Reuters reports.

Healthcare providers and insurers have different viewpoints on whether patients should be required to see a certified genetic counselor or someone with similar training prior to tests for breast cancer, reports Kaiser Health News.

Nonprofit insurance co-op Health Republic of New Jersey has exited the exchange marketplace, forcing 35,000 policyholders to find new plans in 2017, NJ Advance Media reports.