CVS-AETNA MERGER GETS NY APPROVAL, TO BE FINALIZED THIS WEEK

Health Leaders by BY JOHN COMMINS | NOVEMBER 26, 2018 The approval from New York comes with a boatload of conditions, including enhanced consumer and health insurance rate protections, privacy controls,…

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Humana, Kaiser Permanente top customer satisfaction index

HEALTHCAREDIVE- AUTHOR -Les Masterson- Nov. 13, 2018 Dive Brief: The health insurance industry is the least satisfying category in any sector, according to the latest report from the American Customer Satisfaction…

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Cigna revenue boosted by commercial growth, now eyes Medicare Advantage

HealthcareDive- AUTHOR -Les Masterson- PUBLISHED- Nov. 1, 2018 Dive Brief: Cigna announced Thursday its revenue increased by 9% to $11.5 billion in the third quarter and credited growth in its global healthcare and…

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Trump administration proposes new Medicare drug payment model to reduce costs

HEALTHCARE FINANCE- Susan Morse, Senior Editor October 25,2018 The International Pricing Index model would reset Medicare payments for physician-administered drugs. President Trump on Thursday proposed to reduce prescription drug costs in…

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Medicare Advantage organizations overturned 75% of their denials, fed investigation shows

Beckers Hospital CFO Report- Written by Kelly Gooch | October 02, 2018 A recent investigation by the U.S. Office of Inspector General found between 2014 and 2016, Medicare Advantage organizations overturned 75 percent of their…

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Private Medicare Plans Faulted by Watchdog Over Denials of Care

Bloomberg - By John Tozzi- September 26, 2018, 9:01 PM PDT A new federal watchdog report warns that privately run Medicare health plans used by millions of older Americans may be improperly…

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New Medicare Advantage tool will lower prices, but also limit choice

Benefits PRO - Susan Jaffe | September 19, 2018 at 11:07 AM Under the new rules, private Medicare insurance plans could require patients to try cheaper drugs before moving on to…

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UnitedHealthcare wins court case over Medicare Advantage overpayment rule

Healthcare Finance -Susan Morse Senior Editor - September 10, 2018 Ruling throws out 2014 rule, leading to question of how CMS will determine whether it has overpaid an MA insurer.…

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A Little-Known Windfall for Some Hospitals, Now Facing Big Cuts

New York Times - By Austin Frakt- Aug. 29, 2018 A program meant to help the poor has grown beyond its original intent. Most hospitals are nonprofit and justify their exemption…

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How Walmart Outflanks Amazon To Win Seniors In Medicare Advantage Plans

Forbes -Bruce Japsen- Contributor - Aug 21, 2018, 08:09 am Walmart is establishing closer ties with seniors covered by Medicare Advantage plans, an increasingly popular health plan choice for millions of U.S.…

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