Payer: Page


  • FTC, AMG, Section 13(b), Section 19 FTC Act
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    UnitedHealth, Cigna, CVS sue FTC over insulin litigation process

    The three companies are claiming the FTC’s suit is unconstitutional because it was lodged in the agency’s administrative court, instead of a federal one.

    By Nov. 20, 2024
  • A picture of a form that says 'Medicaid eligibility'
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    CMS allows 5 states to adopt multiyear continuous Medicaid eligibility for children

    The future of such policies is unclear under an upcoming Trump administration, which could rescind approvals or prevent states from implementing waivers.

    By Emily Olsen • Nov. 20, 2024
  • Explore the Trendline
    Image attribution tooltip
    Yujin Kim/Healthcare Dive
    Image attribution tooltip
    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
  • A view from below of the CVS sign on the center of a building, with a vertical blue HealthHub sign to its right.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Mario Tama via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Oak Street Health co-founder departs CVS

    Mike Pykosz, who joined CVS with its acquisition of the value-based medical chain in 2023, is departing amid a flurry of high-level ousters at the struggling company. However, Pykosz is leaving voluntarily, CVS said.

    By Nov. 20, 2024
  • Two men stand on the sidewalk outside of an insurance agency.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    If enhanced ACA subsidies expire, 4M could become uninsured: report

    The enhanced premium tax credits will expire at the end of next year without action from lawmakers. Republicans have previously criticized the subsidies’ cost.

    By Emily Olsen • Nov. 19, 2024
  • Wall Street sign with U.S. flags in background
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Offering health insurance is becoming less lucrative

    In the third quarter, the seven major publicly traded insurers’ medical loss ratios increased an average of 3.3 percentage points year over year — a major jump in medical costs.

    By Nov. 18, 2024
  • The White House in Washington, D.C.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Alex Wong via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Top CMS official urges Trump administration to treat Medicaid with care

    “Do to others what you would want done to yourself,” Medicaid director Daniel Tsai said Thursday when asked about advice for his replacement in Trump’s HHS. Trump is expected to cut Medicaid eligibility and funding.

    By Nov. 14, 2024
  • Two people are seen inside a Medicare Services office.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    CMS to lower importance of ‘call center’ metric in Medicare Advantage star ratings

    Regulators’ assessment of customer support centers has spurred recent lawsuits from insurers. But the metric “is going to have a smaller weighting on star ratings moving forward,” the director of Medicare said.

    By Updated Nov. 15, 2024
  • Centene's headquarters in Clayton, Missouri, a suburb outside of St. Louis.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Samantha Liss/Healthcare Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Centene President Ken Fasola to retire next year

    Fasola is the second-highest paid executive at the insurer, trailing only CEO Sarah London.

    By Nov. 13, 2024
  • Aetna headquarters building with the Aetna logo on its facade.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Aetna launched a copay-only health plan. What could it mean for benefits teams?

    The plan requires only copays for medical services and prescription drugs up to the plan member’s out-of-pocket maximum, with no deductibles or coinsurance costs.

    By Ryan Golden • Nov. 13, 2024
  • department of justice building
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    DOJ sues to block UnitedHealth’s $3.3B buy of home health firm Amedisys

    The DOJ’s complaint is intentionally broad to maximize its chances of success, according to one expert. Still, the incoming Trump administration could throw cold water on the challenge.

    By Nov. 12, 2024
  • Cigna's logo is seen on a door.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Julia Rendleman via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Cigna confirms it is not pursuing Humana acquisition

    The flat-out denial comes after Cigna CEO David Cordani tried to discourage persistent speculation of a Humana merger earlier this fall.

    By Nov. 11, 2024
  • A stethoscope rests on a pile of $100 bills.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    MedPAC backs tying physician pay to inflation, but ducks specifics

    During a meeting Thursday, commissioners debated different solutions to lackluster physician pay with one theme in common: linking doctors’ annual payment update to the Medicare Economic Index.

    By Nov. 8, 2024
  • Donald Trump stands against a backdrop of supporters.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How the healthcare industry is reacting to a second Trump term

    Donald Trump’s first term as president was characterized by significant turbulence for government healthcare programs. Here’s how some of the most influential industry groups responded to the Republican’s reelection.

    By Nov. 7, 2024
  • Shot of CVS Pharmacy logo
    Image attribution tooltip
    Mario Tama via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    CVS appoints new Aetna head following mixed third-quarter results

    This year has been defined by an unsuccessful fight against elevated medical costs for CVS. The third quarter was no different.

    By Nov. 6, 2024
  • Two prescription drug cartons stand side by side on a counter, each bearing the word Wegovy.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Scott Olson via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Few state Medicaid programs cover GLP-1s for obesity: KFF

    Still, gross spending on the drugs increased by more than 500% from 2019 to 2023, according to the health policy research firm.

    By Emily Olsen • Nov. 6, 2024
  • a medicaid insurance card on top of a small American flag
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    MACPAC calls for greater transparency amid steep rise in Medicaid directed payments

    Dramatic growth in an opaque Medicaid funding mechanism is exacerbating concerns about the program’s fiscal integrity — while spurring financial gains for the hospital industry.

    By Nov. 5, 2024
  • An image of a gavel and stethoscope.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Surprise Billing

    Federal government notches rare win in surprise billing lawsuit

    Last week, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the federal government’s original interpretation of the No Surprises Act in determining how a key metric in billing disputes is calculated.

    By Nov. 5, 2024
  • Elevance headquarters is a large white and brown building surrounding a grassy quad.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Elevance Health
    Image attribution tooltip

    Elevance Health sues HHS over Medicare Advantage star ratings

    The payer joins several other insurers suing federal regulators over the 2025 quality ratings, which Elevance argues will cost it at least $375 million in bonus payments and rebates.

    By Emily Olsen • Nov. 4, 2024
  • Consultant meeting with Patient
    Image attribution tooltip

    Adobe Stock/Monkey Business

    Image attribution tooltip
    Sponsored by Veradigm

    Closing the gaps: Enhancing patient outcomes through effective care gap management

    Unlock better patient outcomes by identifying and closing critical gaps in care.

    By Joseph Ryan • Nov. 4, 2024
  • A stethoscope rests on a pile of $100 bills.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Medicare saves record $2.1B from largest accountable care program

    Citrus ACO in Central West Florida had the highest savings rate, while Health Connect Partners — an ACO operated by hospital giant Providence — had the highest total savings in the Medicare Shared Savings Program last year.

    By Oct. 31, 2024
  • Cigna's logo is seen on a door.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Julia Rendleman via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Cigna CEO tamps down on Humana deal speculation

    Despite reports this fall that the two payers had reopened merger talks, Cigna plans to use excess cash to buy back its shares, David Cordani told investors.

    By Oct. 31, 2024
  • A street sign marks the intersection of Wall and Broad Streets in Manhattan.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Humana boosts 2024 earnings guidance thanks to Medicare Advantage member retention

    The insurer said it doesn’t expect earnings growth next year due to significant investments it plans to make to boost MA stars.

    By Oct. 30, 2024
  • Header image for "Employers Project 5.6% Jump in Health Benefit Costs"
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Rising healthcare costs could trickle down to workers: employer survey

    Employers said higher drug costs pose the biggest threat to healthcare affordability, according to the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions report.

    By Oct. 30, 2024
  • UnitedHealth Group office
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of UnitedHealth Group
    Image attribution tooltip

    UnitedHealth Group names new CISO 8 months after massive ransomware attack

    UnitedHealth Group declined to say if the leadership change came in response to a February ransomware attack that brought the company’s medical claims and processing platform down for more than a month.

    By Matt Kapko • Oct. 30, 2024
  • A picture of a form that says 'Medicaid eligibility'
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Centene beats investor expectations despite Medicaid headwinds

    Like other payers, Centene flagged a mismatch between patient acuity and payment rates in Medicaid. But the insurer said a diversified portfolio helped it navigate challenges in the third quarter.

    By Emily Olsen • Oct. 26, 2024