Judge grants Anthem's motion for a speedy appeal in Cigna merger case

The decision comes after the health insurance giant was granted a temporary restraining order to prevent Cigna from terminating the $54 billion deal.

By Ana Mulero • Feb. 21, 2017

CMS doles out $20M to aid small practice MACRA preparation

Altarum, Georgia Medical Care Foundation, HealthCentric and Health Services Advisory Group are among the organizations receiving funds in 2017.  

By Luke Gale • Feb. 20, 2017

Outline of GOP plan to replace ACA has few surprises

An outline for a replacement coverage plan that was leaked Thursday makes no mention of changing Medicare to a premium support system but does substantially roll back Medicaid expansion.

By Shannon Muchmore • Feb. 17, 2017

With surgeon Tom Price leading HHS, doctors' caucus gets spotlight

Newly installed HHS Secretary Tom Price has begun his efforts to repeal the ACA with a CMS proposed rule meant to stabilize the insurance exchanges and a strategy meeting with Republicans in Congress.

By Shannon Muchmore • Feb. 16, 2017

Is it too late to stop a death spiral on the ACA insurance exchanges?

The Trump administration has taken steps to stabilize insurance exchanges next year but payers are running out of time to decide their participation. Market uncertainty could see more insurers making their way for the door.

By Luke Gale • Feb. 16, 2017

Health Catalyst deploys tool to enhance MACRA reporting

Just over a third of health system executives report having a strategy for meeting MACRA reporting requirements, according to a recent survey.

By Meg Bryant • Feb. 16, 2017

GAO: HHS lets cybersecurity shortcomings linger

The investigative arm of Congress calls for better cyber protections for electronic health information and user information in state health insurance marketplaces.

By Meg Bryant • Feb. 16, 2017

Sam's Club brings higi health screening platform to members

Demand for convenient, cheaper care has fueled the rise of retail clinics, health screenings and other digital health services.

By Meg Bryant • Feb. 15, 2017

ACA gains: Uninsured rate reaches new low

New National Center for Health Statistics data reveal there were 28.2 million Americans without insurance in 2016.

By Luke Gale • Feb. 15, 2017

CMS drops rule aimed at stabilizing ACA market

Expanding pre-enrollment verification and shortening the open enrollment period in the individual market are among the changes to the ACA the federal government is proposing. 

By Jeff Byers , Ana Mulero • Feb. 15, 2017

Humana to exit ACA exchanges

The health insurance company, which ended its plans to merge with Aetna on Tuesday, said it is "seeing further signs of an unbalanced risk pool."

By Ana Mulero • Feb. 15, 2017

California regulator report reveals insurers' flawed network lists

Cigna, Aetna and UnitedHealthcare were among major health plans in 2015 that reported inaccurate information to California’s managed care regulator.

By Meg Bryant • Feb. 14, 2017

Cigna ends Anthem merger; insurers sue each other

Cigna is seeking over $14 billion in damages from the failed merger bid. Anthem responded by filing for a restraining order that would stop Cigna from ending the deal. 

By Ana Mulero , Shannon Muchmore • Feb. 14, 2017

Aetna, Humana drop merger plans

Aetna will now pay Humana the $1 billion breakup fee as the planned $37 billion merger has officially fallen through.

By Ana Mulero • Feb. 14, 2017

Studies show ACOs drive down spending regardless of structure

Accountable care organizations have shown an ability to drive down post-acute care spending and savings can be achieved through different reimbursement models, but further savings are possible. 

By Luke Gale • Feb. 14, 2017

Congress joins executive branch in move to stabilize ACA exchanges

As Republicans continue to explore potential replacement plans, they are taking steps to improve insurance exchange stability beyond this year. 

By Luke Gale • Feb. 14, 2017

Anthem fails to extend Cigna merger deadline, requests speedy appeal in antitrust case

The health insurance giant argued a speedy appeal process would benefit consumers, the judge "made serious errors of law, fact, and logic" with the court ruling to block its deal and it would "suffer irreparable harm" if the appeal is delayed.

By Ana Mulero • Feb. 13, 2017

Anthem files appeal to reverse court's blocking of $54B Cigna merger

The move had been expected given the $1.85 billion contractual breakup fee Anthem would owe Cigna if the merger isn't finalized.

By Ana Mulero • Feb. 13, 2017

DC insurance exchange regulators look to future with health savings accounts vote

The District of Columbia Health Benefit Exchange Authority made the move as Congress considers healthcare reform legislation that could include an expansion of health savings accounts. 

By Luke Gale • Feb. 11, 2017

Hospitals get pushback on Mar-a-Lago fundraisers

The protests stem from concerns about Trump administration policies.   

By Meg Bryant • Feb. 10, 2017

ATA: States show mixed progress with telemedicine

Texas continues to have the poorest grade on telehealth services.

By Meg Bryant • Feb. 10, 2017

GOP working with CBO on ACA replacement

While Republicans have questioned CBO's methodologies in the past, the willingness to work with the bipartisan scorekeeper highlights the GOP's seriousness to message a “win” in healthcare reform. 

By Meg Bryant • Feb. 10, 2017

What Tom Price's confirmation to head HHS means for healthcare

Policy analysts expect the new secretary to use a market-oriented approach to healthcare reform rather than a regulatory-based one.

By Ana Mulero • Feb. 10, 2017

Tom Price confirmed as HHS secretary

Democrats voiced their concerns about the Georgia Republican’s healthcare stock investments and his plans for repealing the ACA.

By Shannon Muchmore • Feb. 10, 2017

US government ordered to pay Moda $214M over risk corridor program

While the ruling may offer a glimmer of hope to other payers suing the government, it is not clear how courts will rule in the future. 

By Luke Gale • Feb. 10, 2017