Johnathan Warner

Blue Cross Blue Shield companies experienced both a decline in underwriting earnings and lower premiums in 2009, according to a report by the credit rating firm A.M. Best.

The world market for preventative vaccines totaled $22.1 billion in 2009, up from $19 billion in 2008, and is projected to increase at a compound annual rate of 9.7 percent over the next five years.

The Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and their respective subsidiaries had a total operating revenue of $11 billion for the quarter ending June 30, 2010, compared to $10.5 billion for the same quarter in 2009.

Humana and athenahealth have announced an alliance, combining Humana's Primary Care Rewards Program with athenahealth's electronic health record service.

Health Care REIT, Inc., a Toledo-based real estate investment trust for senior housing and healthcare real estate, has announced a partnership with Merrill Gardens, LLC, one of the top owners of independent and assisted living retirement communities in the United States.

Water Street Healthcare Partners, a private equity firm focused exclusively on healthcare, has acquired Medical Specialties Distributors, a provider of products for the home infusion therapy market.

Valley Presbyterian Hospital, one of the largest acute care hospitals in California's San Fernando Valley, plans to implement strategies to strengthen its business development efforts.