In the News:
CMS Issues Final Rule for the 2020 Annual Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (@CMSGov) released the final annual Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for the 2020 benefit year, also known as the 2020 Payment Notice. The rule reduces user fees for plans offered on HealthCare.gov, and encourages the use of lower-cost generic drugs, while improving market stability and consumer choice.
CareFirst Announces $15 Minimum Wage And Benefit Equity Changes For All Employees
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (@carefirst), the region’s largest health insurer, has set a $15 per hour minimum wage standard for all employees that went into effect earlier this year.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and Blue Health Intelligence Invite Cutting-Edge Companies to Enter the BlueCross BlueShield Data Innovation Challenge
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (@BCBSAssociation) and Blue Health Intelligence® (BHI) invite visionary companies to enter the BlueCross BlueShield Data Innovation Challenge to develop solutions that increase access to care, enhance patient engagement, and improve care delivery and outcomes. To advance their proposed solution, the winner of the challenge will have six months access to a limited dataset within BHI’s database of more than 5 billion covered procedures performed annually, originating from more than 170 million active and inactive Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) members.
CareSource Announces Innovative New Approach to Managing Pharmacy Transparency, Services and Costs
CareSource (@caresource), a nonprofit multi-state health plan serving government sponsored programs, announced its intent to implement a new, integrated approach to administering pharmacy benefits and services.
New Appointment:
Aetna Better Health of Kansas Fills Out Leadership Team
Aetna (@aetna) Better Health of Kansas, part of Aetna Medicaid, a CVS health business (NYSE: CVS), has named four new hires to its executive team.
Collaboration News:
UnitedHealthcare Expands Use of Bundled Payments with Medicare Advantage Health Care Providers
UnitedHealthcare (@uhc) is advancing its collaboration with care providers and the government to deliver high-quality care and help people live healthier lives with the UnitedHealthcare Care Bundles Program.
To Read:
The Future of Employer Health Insurance
Health Catalyst (@HealthCatalyst) writes that employers in the United States are constantly looking for ways to reduce what has historically been their number two or three largest expense item on their profit and loss statements—healthcare costs. Some surprising headlines have made waves in the business world: “Starbucks spends more on healthcare than coffee beans,” and “General Motors is a health and benefits company with an auto company attached.” While both statements are historically true, U.S. employers–including both GM and Starbucks–understand the challenge represented in keeping their workforce and their loved ones healthy. It’s both expensive and complex.
Report Results:
Anthem Reports First Quarter 2019 Results, Raises Full Year Outlook
Anthem, Inc. (@AnthemInc) reported first quarter financial results that were driven by solid membership growth across all lines of business.
UnitedHealth Group Reports First Quarter 2019 Results
UnitedHealth Group (@UnitedHealthGrp) recently reported its first quarter 2019 results where revenues of $60.3 billion grew 9% year-over-year.
Cigna Delivers Strong First Quarter 2019 Results, Raises Outlook
Global health service company Cigna Corporation (@cigna) reported strong first quarter 2019 results led by the Health Services and Integrated Medical segments.
Making the Cut:
Humana participates in 2019 International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement in the Netherlands
Humana was honored to be asked to participate in the 2019 International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) in the Netherlands. With 1,200 healthcare leaders from across the globe, Humana was happy to participate as a healthcare company moving those they serve into better outcomes at lower costs by associating with physicians in successful value-based models of care.
Upcoming Events
AHIP Institute & Expo 2019
What: AHIP Institute & Expo 2019
When: June 19 – 21, 2019
Register for this event.
Where: Nashville, TN
Hashtag: #AHIPInstitute
AHIP Institute & Expo 2019 – New concepts, new solutions, new contacts. It’s a few days out of the office, but so much more. Institute & Expo is an investment in your company, your career, and our country’s health care. It’s not surprising that thousands consider AHIP’s Institute & Expo the must attend health care event. Register now to take advantage of early bird discount. Super Saver ends March 18, 2019 and Early Registration ends May 3, 2019.