Collaboration News:
UnitedHealthcare and GlassesUSA.com’s New Network Relationship Gives People Online Access to Affordable, Designer Prescription Eyewear
People enrolled in UnitedHealthcare (@uhc) employer-sponsored and individual vision plans now have network access to GlassesUSA.com, giving more than 19 million Americans online access to order prescription glasses and sunglasses for little or no out-of-pocket costs. The relationship marks the first time UnitedHealthcare has established a network agreement with an online-only eyewear retailer.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Partners with Blue Health Intelligence on Best-in-Class Provider Reporting and Data Sharing
Further increasing its commitment to healthcare transparency, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (@BCBSAssociation) announced a multi-year partnership with Blue Health Intelligence. Blue Cross will use BHI’s powerful analytics tools to give healthcare providers in the insurer’s network more actionable, accurate, and user-friendly cost and quality reports.
Cigna Adds Talkspace to Its Rapidly-Expanding Virtual Provider Network
Cigna (@cigna) is adding Talkspace to its behavioral provider network for customers seeking a more convenient therapy option. With private messaging (text, voice, and video), Talkspace connects Cigna customers to dedicated licensed therapists who engage daily through a secure app. Customers can also schedule live video sessions based on personal preference.
To Read:
New Data on the Cost of COVID-19 Treatment for U.S. Private Insurers
According to AHIP, Wakely Consulting, in a recently released report, updated its March 30, 2020 report on the potential COVID-19 treatment cost implications to U.S. health insurance providers for 2020 and 2021. Since the initial report was published, new data on COVID costs, utilization, and deferred care has become available, and has been incorporated into the update.
Humana’s Annual Report on Employee Well-Being Illustrates the Company’s Culture and Highlights Resiliency
Humana Inc. (@humana) has released its latest annual report on employee well-being, which continues to show that passion for whole-person well-being, both inside and outside the workplace, can enhance employee quality of life, improve personal health, elevate organizational performance, and positively impact care for customers.
Dr. Atul Gawande Assumes New Leadership Role at Haven
Haven announced that Dr. Atul Gawande will step down as Chief Executive Officer and serve as Chairman of Haven’s Board of Directors. A search for a new CEO is underway while Mitch Betses, Chief Operating Officer, manages day to day operations.
Insurance in the Time of COVID-19
Our own Roberta Mullin’s reading took her down the rabbit hole of insurance.
Insurance in the Time of COVID-19 https://t.co/x3qBV9GiCJ
— Health IT Answers (@healthitanswers) May 15, 2020
COVID-19 News:
Cigna Expands and Extends Its COVID-19 Relief Efforts for Medicare Advantage and Individual and Family Plans
Effective immediately, global health service company Cigna is expanding its support for customers during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic by eliminating cost-sharing for all primary care, specialty care and behavioral health care in-office or telehealth visits for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 care. This expansion applies to all U.S. customers enrolled in Cigna’s Medicare Advantage and Individual and Family Plans, including those sold on the Individual Marketplace.
The CareSource Foundation Awards $25,000 Grant to Phoebe Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund
The CareSource (@caresource) Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to the Phoebe Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund. The grant will help meet immediate needs in the Albany, Ga. region as they have the state’s highest concentration of COVID-19 patients per capita. The Phoebe Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund provides essential support to employees and emergency responders in efforts to keep the community safe and healthy.
As COVID-19 Response Shifts, Medica Extends Commitment to Members, Community Partners and Long-Term Care Partners
States will ease restrictions to allow more businesses and services to open beginning June 1 and Medica (@Medica4Me) is responding with increased efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its members and partners. Beginning next week, Medica will begin distributing more than 200,000 disposable protective masks to members who are at the greatest risk for experiencing complications related to COVID-19. Medica also will donate an additional 150,000 masks and other personal protection equipment to community organizations and its skilled nursing partners.
Making the Cut:
Oscar Recognized with MedTech Breakthrough Award
The MedTech Breakthrough Awards recognize the top companies, people, platforms and products in the health, fitness and medical technology industries today. In the Leadership category, Oscar (@OscarHealth) was awarded the Healthcare Insurance Innovation Award.