The following were among this week’s most-viewed payer issues stories on Becker’s Hospital Review.
1. Judge blocks $37B Aetna-Humana deal: 5 things to know
On Monday, U.S. District Judge John Bates blocked Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna’s proposed $37 billion takeover of Louisville, Ky.-based Humana.
2. 5 reactions to Aetna-Humana ruling
Here are five reactions from healthcare leaders, litigators and company spokespersons regarding U.S. District Judge John Bates’ blocking of Hartford, Conn.-based Aetna’s proposed $37 billion takeover of Louisville, Ky.-based Humana.
3. 9 ways ACA repeal could affect employer-sponsored insurance
Much of the discussion on an ACA repeal has focused on the consequences for the 20 million Americans who gained coverage under the law’s main provisions, such as Medicaid expansion, the health insurance marketplaces and changes to private insurance that allow children to remain on their parents’ plans until age 26. But people who have health insurance through their employer are not immune to the effects of repeal.
4. Judge: Aetna ditched exchanges to ‘avoid antitrust scrutiny’: 5 things to know
U.S. District Judge John Bates determined Aetna’s August decision to exit most of the ACA exchanges where it sold health plans was not solely a business strategy, but was “for the purpose of improving its litigation position,” according to the 156-page opinion issued Monday.
5. Trump’s ACA order fuels questions among potential health plan enrollees
Last Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at immediately lessening the economic burden of the ACA as Republican lawmakers work on a repeal and replacement plan. Now, with only eight days left in the open enrollment period for 2017, tens of thousands of consumers are contacting ACA call centers across the U.S., asking whether they can still enroll in insurance coverage, or if their coverage will continue under President Trump.
More articles on payer issues:
Connecticut health insurance exchange calls for mandatory broker commissions
9 ways ACA repeal could affect employer-sponsored insurance
Audit: Highmark received $96k in overpayments from Pennsylvania county
