Cigna questions whether Anthem merger will close in 2016

The deal could be in jeopardy as Cigna noted Anthem could owe a breakup fee of $1.85 billion if the deal isn’t finalized by Jan. 31, 2017.

By Heather Caspi • May 9, 2016

ACA bronze plans could be at risk after proving least profitable

Experts disagree whether the insurers will phase out the plans and further destabilize the marketplace.

By Heather Caspi • May 9, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Payer/provider relationships

As M&A intensifies and companies embrace more holistic and value-based care models, partnerships have become more closely intertwined.

By Healthcare Dive staff

CMS releases new Medicare data in bid to increase transparency

The 2014 dataset includes information for more than 986,000 physicians who received a total of $91 billion in Medicare payments.

By Meg Bryant • May 6, 2016

2,000 doctors endorse single-payer healthcare reform proposal

New taxes to fund a single-payer system would be offset by reduced premiums and out-of-pocket spending, under a proposal in the American Journal of Public Health.

By Meg Bryant • May 6, 2016

California fines Anthem $415K over grievance violations

Opponents of the ending Cigna merger have pointed toward Anthem's historic issues with the grievance process as a reason to halt the deal.

By Heather Caspi • May 5, 2016

Opioid epidemic costs shifting to insurers

CDC analysis found consumer out-of-pocket spending on opioids per 100 morphine milligram equivalents dropped from $4.40 to $0.90.

By Heather Caspi • May 5, 2016

Performance measures put heat on hospitals

Stakeholders react to the abundance of federal performance measures. Some say doctors just want more time to take care of their patients.

By Meg Bryant • May 5, 2016

Tenet posts $59M Q1 loss as lawsuit reserve grows to $407M

The company predicts competition will take on UnitedHealth's deserted ACA markets and stated it will be happy to fight for it. 

By Meg Bryant • May 4, 2016

Low costs land 231 hospitals a Medicare bonus — despite low quality

CMS said it may revise regulations so hospitals rated below the national quality average won’t receive a bonus in the future.

By Meg Bryant • May 4, 2016

Illinois Blues nixes credit card payments for individual policyholders

The payer is looking for ways to reduce administrative costs without impacting the quality of care.

By Meg Bryant • May 4, 2016

Newly expanded Medicaid program dubbed 'Healthy Louisiana'

The rebranding will play into promotional efforts throughout the state.

By Heather Caspi • May 4, 2016

Tenet predicts competition will take UnitedHealth's ACA business

When UnitedHealth moves out in 2017, others will be happy to replace it, Tenet says.

By Heather Caspi • May 4, 2016

Humana to exit Virginia, Alabama ACA markets

The move will leave Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama as the only choice in the state's ACA market.

By Jeff Byers • May 4, 2016

Breakdown of the MACRA Proposed Final Rule

As with most proposed rules, initial feedback has been mixed. 

By Julie Henry • May 4, 2016

Moda makes good on raising $115M to strengthen plan after state takeover

The company is getting back on financial track, though with fewer customers.

By Heather Caspi • May 3, 2016

UPMC, Jameson Health finalize merger, $75M facilities investment

Jameson, a rural hospital with 1,200 employees, had been looking to partner with a larger health system for years as its patient revenue has been dropping.

By Nina Flanagan • May 3, 2016

CMS takes feedback for finalized Quality Measure Development Plan

The plan provides a quality measure development framework that will be used to support MIPS and advanced alternative payment models.

By Heather Caspi • May 3, 2016

Industry offers mixed reactions to the Medicaid 'uber rule'

The finalized medical loss ratio at 85% has its share of supporters and opponents.

By Julie Henry • May 2, 2016

CMS previews rollout of 'Simple Choice Plans' and quality ratings

The agency will be seeking feedback regarding the best means to provide the quality rating information.

By Heather Caspi • May 1, 2016

Uber-a-docs: Changing the healthcare landscape for better or worse?

While convenient, some worry house-call apps could undermine the traditional relationship between patients and their primary care doctors.

By Meg Bryant • April 30, 2016

Aetna books strong Medicaid showing in Q1, declining net income

The health insurance giant said two-thirds of states have approved its acquisition of Humana, putting it on target to close in the second half of the year.

By Meg Bryant • April 29, 2016

CA insurance commissioner not so hot on Aetna-Humana merger

Over the past three years, Aetna has raised the ire of state health officials for ‘unreasonable’ increases in insurance premiums.

By Meg Bryant • April 29, 2016

Obama administration extends Medicaid coverage to 96K ex-inmates

New HHS guidance clarifies how individuals living in community halfway houses can receive Medicaid benefits.

By Ana Mulero • April 29, 2016

Report shows wide variations in prices for common procedures across U.S.

A review of 242 common medical services found prices were highest in Minnesota and Wisconsin and lowest in Florida and Minnesota.

By Meg Bryant • April 29, 2016

Maryland co-op triumphant in profitable first quarter

Evergreen has long been a bright spot among the troubled ACA health cooperatives.

By Heather Caspi • April 28, 2016