Chris Anderson
Medicare exchange operator Extend Health and global benefits consulting firm Mercer have announced a referral agreement aimed at helping employers design and manage the costs for benefits provided to Medicare-eligible retirees.
Results of a new survey of employers by benefits consulting firm Mercer show that most employers plan to continue offering health insurance coverage to their employees after all the provisions of the Affordable Care Act become effective in 2014.
Population health management company OptumHealth announced Wednesday it will acquire healthcare services and customer relations company Connextions Inc., in a deal eyeing the ongoing shift toward consumerism in the insurance and healthcare market.
A consumer sentiment index from Thomson Reuters showed that consumers' confidence in their ability to pay for healthcare declined in July after two straight months of improvement.
Finding ways to create a payment model that rewards high-quality outcomes, reduces avoidable costs and protects payer and provider margins is the ultimate goal of those working to reform the healthcare system today.
After spending much of the past year under a microscope amid criticism for proposed rate hikes and executive compensation, Blue Shield of California has taken steps to rehabilitate its image - including a pledge to limit net income to no more than 2 percent of revenue.
In a deal that greatly accelerates its move into the Medicare supplement market, Aetna announced in June an agreement to buy Genworth Financial's Medicare supplement business, Continental Life Insurance, for $290 million.
It's no secret that the Republicans who swept into power in the 2010 elections are intent on defunding and dismantling, piece by piece, the Affordable Care Act. The latest portion of the ACA to come under fire – somewhat obscured by the wrangling over the country's debt ceiling – is a cornerstone of the law meant to keep Medicare spending in check, the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB).
Seniors responding to a new poll said they are significantly concerned about the potential impact to their health coverage if the federal deficit reduction plan includes changes to Medicare benefits.
Wellpoint Inc. announced yesterday that second quarter net income totaled $701.6 million, including after tax investment gains of $21.5 million, a drop of 3 percent from the $722.4 million of income the company recorded in the second quarter of 2010.