Collaboration News:
Priority Health expands partnership with MDLIVE to offer enhanced out-of-state behavioral health benefits
Priority Health (@PriorityHealth) announced that it has expanded its partnership with MDLIVE, a national telehealth network, to offer out-of-state behavioral health coverage to its Medicare and Individual market members beginning January 1, 2021. Priority Health’s existing partnership with MDLIVE provides out-of-state medical coverage through telehealth services. The addition of behavioral health services will allow members who live or are traveling outside the state of Michigan to virtually connect with thousands of licensed behavioral health providers.
Northwell Health, Humana Renew Agreement
Northwell Health (@NorthwellHealth), New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer, and Humana Inc. (@Humana), a health and well-being company, announced a five-year agreement that will bring new products and services to the community to improve health care in the New York metropolitan area.
COVID-19 News:
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Reports Steep Decline in Childhood Vaccinations Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, Putting Community Protection at Risk
Millions of children have missed routine vaccinations this year, causing a precipitous drop in immunizations that threatens to leave communities throughout the U.S. at risk of losing protection against highly contagious diseases, including measles, whooping cough and polio, according to new data from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (@BCBSAssociation).
CarePlus Health Plans Sends At-home Screening Kits to Members During COVID-19
In an effort to increase access to important preventive healthcare screenings, CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. (@careplushp) is mailing in-home preventive screening kits to eligible members. CarePlus, a subsidiary of Humana Inc., serves more than 166,000* Medicare Advantage members across Florida.
Out-of-Network COVID-19 Test Costs Remain Significantly Higher than In-Network Charges
Every day, COVID-19 continues to put pressure on America’s health care system and the patients and communities it serves. Health insurance providers are responding to this crisis by taking decisive action to ensure that Americans have access to the diagnostic testing and treatment needed to effectively combat this virus. However, data from a new survey conducted by America’s Health Insurance Plans (@ahipcoverage) shows that out-of-network COVID-19 test costs continue to rise, significantly exceeding in-network costs and ultimately jeopardizing affordability.
More Than 40% of Americans Say COVID-19 Has Influenced What Health Plan They Intend to Select During Open Enrollment
Many Americans said COVID-19 has influenced the health plan they intend to select during open enrollment, while the majority report they are interested in using a smartphone or laptop to access medical services, according to a new UnitedHealthcare survey. These are some of the findings from the fifth-annual UnitedHealthcare (@uhc) Consumer Sentiment Survey, which examines Americans’ attitudes and opinions about multiple areas of health care, including open enrollment preparedness, technology trends and health plan preferences.
Financial News:
Humana Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results; Remains Focused on Facilitating Access to Quality Care During the Pandemic
Humana Inc. (@Humana) has continued to focus on its most vulnerable members and communities throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by taking actions to simplify access to care, reduce financial barriers, and address social determinants of health, while also alleviating administrative difficulties and monetary burdens for its providers to ensure efficient, consistent care for their patients.
Cigna Reports Third Quarter 2020 Performance, Raises Revenue Guidance
Global health services company Cigna Corporation (@cigna) reported solid third quarter 2020 performance led by strong execution by its Evernorth segment.
Anthem Reports Third Quarter Results, Reaffirms Commitment to Stakeholders During COVID-19 Pandemic
Anthem, Inc. (@AnthemInc) reported third quarter 2020 results that reflect the impacts of ongoing COVID-19 costs and the continued recovery in healthcare utilization while upholding its commitment to addressing financial imbalances for its health plan members, customers, care providers, associates, and local communities.
CVS Health reports third quarter results with diversified assets delivering strong enterprise performance
CVS Health Corporation (@cvshealth) announced operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2020.
To Read:
New study from Independence and the University of Pennsylvania shows benefits of telemedicine in reducing specialist consultation time from Independence Blue Cross – Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, doctors have depended more and more on telemedicine to ensure patients get the care they need. A new study published in Telemedicine and e-Health from researchers at Independence Blue Cross and the University of Pennsylvania shows how this technology is able to greatly reduce the time it takes for primary care doctors to consult with specialists.
Celebrating Caregivers During the COVID-19 Crisis from AHIP Blog – Health insurance providers continue to support legislation to help caregivers, according to AHIP’s new one-pager, including providing the necessary personal protective equipment, defining caregivers as essential employees, and increasing funding for home and community-based services.
Appointments:
CareSource CEO Joins the America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) announced the appointment of a new board president and eight new board members including CareSource (@caresource) CEO Erhardt Preitauer.
Independence Health Group Announces Leadership Changes and Promotions
Independence Health Group (@ibx) announces the following key organizational changes and promotions.
Molina Healthcare Appoints Leaders for its National Social Determinants of Health Innovation Center
Molina Healthcare (@molinahealth) announced the appointment of Michelle Bentzien-Purrington as executive leader and Dr. San Bartolome, M.D., as national medical director of the Columbus, Ohio, based National Molina Healthcare Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Innovation Center created earlier this year.
Making the Cut:
Cigna Leads Industry in 2020 Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
Cigna has again been recognized for excellence in corporate sustainability leadership, with the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) ranking Cigna first in the health care providers and services industry for the second consecutive year. This also marks the fourth straight year that Cigna has been named to the indices, which includes the Dow Jones Sustainability™ World Index (DJSI World) and the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI North America).