Aurobindo Pharma Limited (NSE: AUROPHARMA) (BSE: 524804) (Reuters: ARBN.NS) (Bloomberg: ARBP:IN) and COVAXX, a US-based company, have entered into an Exclusive License Agreement to develop, commercialize and manufacture UB-612, the first Multitope Peptide-based Vaccine to fight COVID-19, for India and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) agency. [Read more…]
Sputnik V Vaccine Delivered to Argentina
The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF, Russia’s sovereign wealth fund) announces the delivery of the first batch of 300,000 doses of Sputnik V, the world’s first registered vaccine against coronavirus, to Argentina. [Read more…]
INOVIO Publication of Phase 1 Data COVID-19 DNA Vaccine Candidate
INOVIO (NASDAQ:INO), a biotechnology company focused on bringing to market precisely designed DNA medicines to treat and protect people from infectious diseases and cancer, has announced the publication of peer-reviewed Phase 1 clinical data from the first cohort of 40 participants for its COVID-19 DNA vaccine candidate, INO-4800, in EClinicalMedicine, an open access clinical journal published by The Lancet. [Read more…]
COVID-19 Variant from South Africa Identified
Two cases of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant, which originated in South Africa, have been identified in the UK. [Read more…]
January 1 is Life Time’s Commitment Day
Millions of Americans set lofty resolutions and fitness goals to kick off 2020…which were promptly kicked to the curb when the COVID-19 pandemic turned our lives upside down. [Read more…]
Therap introduces Interface with Sandata Aggregator
Therap Services, the long-standing national leader providing software solutions for HIPAA-compliant electronic documentation for providers in Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and the broader Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS), introduces its Sandata Aggregator Interface for providers in Arizona. [Read more…]
Food Recall Warning – The People’s brand Meadilicious taste of Pina Colada flavoured fortified wine
Minhas Sask Ventures Inc. is recalling The People’s brand Meadilicious taste of Pina Colada flavoured fortified wine from the marketplace because it contains milk which is not declared on the label. [Read more…]
SNA International Covid-19 Emergency Response Services
To assist with the nation’s fight against COVID-19, SNA International, LLC (SNA) provides emergency response support services to state and local governments. [Read more…]
Soterix Medical Expanded Clinical Trials
Soterix Medical Inc. , the global leader in non-invasive stimulation and synergistic brain imaging technologies, has expanded clinical trials of its proprietary neuromodulation technologies for Alzheimer’s disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment. [Read more…]
Cedar Gate Technologies Investment from Cobalt Ventures
Cedar Gate Technologies (Cedar Gate), a leading value-based care performance management company, has received a minority investment from Cobalt Ventures. [Read more…]
Regence and MultiCare Value-Based Partnership
Regence and MultiCare Health System have partnered to deploy a first-in-the-nation value-based model that delivers better health outcomes to members at lower costs while simplifying administration for health care providers. [Read more…]
Massage Chair Helps Combat Stress, High Blood Pressure, and Depression
Many have Predicted 2020 the Entire Year of Disturbance and endurance, both emotionally and physically. Together with the entire world feeling the beat of COVID-19 exhaustion, lockdowns, overwork, childcare, home education and much more, it may feel like the nation is jointly suffocating. [Read more…]
Top 10 COVID-19 Vaccine Questions
Here are the Top 10 COVID-19 Vaccine Questions and Answers that we have compiled, with help from Ontario’s doctors: [Read more…]
Blue Plus Supports Housing Stability Initiatives
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) and Blue Plus (Blue Plus) is funding support for six organizations and their respective efforts to increase housing stability for Minnesotans in need. The Blue Plus funding support is designed to alleviate social barriers to health that contribute to health inequities. [Read more…]
Hudson Regional Hospital Lawsuit Dismissed
A lawsuit against healthcare entities related to Hudson Regional Hospital and its proprietor Yan Moshe has been dismissed (Eastern District Federal Court Docket Number 20cv01098). [Read more…]
Minnesota Health Plans Extend Coverage
The Minnesota Council of Health Plans announced today that Minnesota-based nonprofit health programs are willingly extending cost-sharing waivers for in-patient COVID-19 therapy through March 31, 2021. The expansion coincides with a number of different steps taken to assist individuals, suppliers and the community weather the pandemic. [Read more…]
Highmark Health Partners With Google Cloud
In its attempts to reinvent the Healthcare expertise and enhance the connection between individuals and their clinicians, Highmark Health and Google Cloud now declared a six-year strategic venture to construct and take care of the creation engine behind Highmark’s Living Health model. [Read more…]
Reearchers Study Effects of COVID-19 on Preterm Birth
Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have formed a new consortium that will examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on preterm birth and healthcare, funded by $300,000 in grants by the Freedom Blue Cross Foundation, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware’s donor-advised finance, also BluePrints for its Community. [Read more…]
Florida Blue Covers COVID-19 Vaccine
“COVID-19 has severely impacted communities and families around Florida, And the cost is growing quickly. Together with the FDA’s emergency use approval of fresh COVID-19 vaccines, it is essential that people get broad vaccination throughout the state when you can help protect ourselves and our nearest and dearest,” explained Pat Geraghty, Florida Blue president and CEO. [Read more…]
Horizon Partners with Geneia
Horizon Healthcare Services, Inc. is partnering with Geneia.
A healthcare analytic services and solutions firm that’s simplifying the transition into healthcare, has announced their partnership to advance population health is functioning. Horizon picked Geneia’s Theon® Platform for Population Analytics, which implements AI-driven data analytics to identify and stratify inhabitants discovering insights for patient-centered maintenance, to attain increased involvement and boost ROI by focusing on the ideal care for the ideal patients at the ideal moment.
Horizon chosen Geneia’s Theon® Platform for Population Analytics to encourage its population health management plan and provide a coordinate and customized associate experience. The answer:
— Identifies gaps in Take Care of high-risk members
— Prioritizes quality step coverage, actions and common threat
— Provider that a 360-degree patient perspective
— Enhances patient satisfaction and results through coordinated care, public health and maintenance management
— Ensures platform extensibility to health programs, answerable attention associations and patient-centered medical-home clinics
To find out more about this Geneia — Horizon connection, download the case study at: https://content.geneia.com/2020/new-jerseys-largest-healthplan-transforms-with-geneia/index.html
American Specialty Health Named Among the Top Workplaces
The San Diego office of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) has been named among San Diego’s “Top Workplaces” in the 8th annual Top Workplaces awards sponsored by the San Diego Union Tribune and Philadelphia-based Energage. [Read more…]
QualChoice Health Insurance Hires Chris O’Dwyer
QualChoice Health Insurance has announced that Chris O’Dwyer has joined the company as Director of Sales, effective Nov. 23. [Read more…]
AmeriLife® Partners with Senior Resource Group
AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), the national leader in marketing and distributing life, health and retirement solutions, has purchased ownership and partnered with the rapidly growing Senior Resource Group (SRG), an independent field marketing organization based in Philadelphia. [Read more…]
AGS Health Recognized in KLAS® Report
AGS Health, a leader in revenue cycle management services for major healthcare providers across the U.S. today announced it has been recognized by KLAS® Research as a “consistent high performer” in their report, “Outsourced Coding 2020, Which Firms Deliver Quality and Value.” [Read more…]
Cigna Global Employer Health Partners with InterNations
Cigna Global Employer Health (CGEH) Americas, a division of global health service company Cigna, is partnering with German-based InterNations, the leading independent network and resource for expatriates across 420 cities and with 4 million members worldwide. [Read more…]
Centene Completes Acquisition of Apixio
ST. LOUIS, Dec. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Apixio, a healthcare analytics company offering Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology solutions. With this transaction, Centene will continue to digitize the administration of healthcare and accelerate innovation and modernization across the enterprise. [Read more…]
Insure.com Finds America’s Best Health Insurers: Surveying 2,200+ Consumers
FOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Insure.com, a comprehensive resource for insurance information, releases its ninth annual survey detailing the most outstanding health insurance companies for 2021. The top ranked companies offer competitive pricing, strong customer service and have a consumer base willing to recommending them. [Read more…]
Olive Acquires Verata Health
Prior authorizations were the most costly and time-consuming transactions for providers in 2019 and are among the top reasons patient care is delayed. As cash-strapped hospitals and health systems strive to meet patient, payer and provider needs, the demand for AI technologies to increase efficiency and improve the patient experience has become critical. [Read more…]
Second Largest Commercial Insurer Covers Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing for All Pregnancies
Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRA), a pioneer and global leader in cell-free DNA testing, today announced that the second largest commercial health plan in the United States has extended coverage of non-invasive prenatal tests (NIPT) to all singleton pregnancies. This announcement comes on the heels of the largest U.S. health plan’s expansion earlier this week. Natera now estimates that over 90% of all commercially-covered lives will have average risk NIPT coverage. [Read more…]
R. Scott Blackley Named Oscar Chief Financial Officer
Oscar, the first health insurance company built around a full stack technology platform and a relentless focus on serving our members, today announced it has hired R. Scott Blackley as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective March 16, 2021. Scott will serve on Oscar’s leadership team and report to Chief Executive Officer Mario Schlosser.
Scott has been serving as the Chief Financial Officer of Capital One since May 2016. Prior to that, he served as Capital One’s Principal Accounting Officer and Controller for five years. Before joining Capital One, Scott held various executive positions at Fannie Mae, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and KPMG, LLP.
Scott is succeeding Sid Sankaran, who is leaving the company in Spring 2021 to become Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of SiriusPoint, a global reinsurance company. Sid will become Vice Chairman at Oscar upon Scott’s joining and will join the Board effective June 30, 2021.
Services PMI™ at 55.9%; November 2020 Services ISM® Report On Business®
Economic activity in the services sector grew in November for the sixth month in a row, say the nation’s purchasing and supply executives in the latest Services ISM® Report On Business®. [Read more…]
Top Financial Concern Among Americans is the Cost of Healthcare
A new survey released today by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) in collaboration with research-led consulting firm Heart + Mind Strategies LLC found that more than half of Americans (54%) are experiencing high or very high levels of stress. [Read more…]
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Offers Free Bluebikes Rides
In support of public health efforts to encourage flu vaccinations and to provide an easy mode of transportation to flu shot locations across Metro-Boston, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (“Blue Cross”) will offer free Bluebikes rides during National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 6-12. [Read more…]
A.M. Best Again Affirms Superior Rating for the Cooperative of American Physicians’ Mutual Protection Trust (MPT)
The Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. (CAP) today announced that the Mutual Protection Trust (MPT), the organization’s core product, has earned another A+ (Superior) Rating with a Stable Outlook from A.M. Best Company, a global full-service credit rating agency dedicated to serving the financial and healthcare service industries. This is the 14th year running that the organization has achieved this distinction. [Read more…]
Employer Direct Healthcare Hires Jerry Fiala
Employer Direct Healthcare (EDH), a market-leader in the surgical benefit space, announced the hiring of Jerry Fiala as a Vice President of Business Development.
Prior to joining EDH, Fiala provided leadership during the successful implementation of Cleveland Clinic’s strategy of direct contractual engagement with large self-funded employers on a national scale, which included services such as surgical travel programs, online second opinion consultations, and executive health examinations.
HAP partners with digital health platform
Health Alliance Plan (HAP), a Michigan-based nonprofit health plan, is partnering with Peerfit®, a digital health technology company, to bring Peerfit Move to its Medicare Advantage members. Peerfit Move encourages Medicare members to maintain an active lifestyle by providing flexible fitness options and facilitating social connections. The current Peerfit network has more than 290 facilities in Michigan and more than 10,500 nationwide. [Read more…]
WellSpark Health and LAZ Parking Partnership
WellSpark Health and LAZ Parking, one of the largest parking companies in the country, have partnered to create a next generation employee benefit program in support of the modern workforce. The innovative program is built to understand and respond to the realities people face in our complex world when managing their life and health. [Read more…]
Telehealth Claim Lines Increase 2,980 Percent Nationally
Telehealth claim lines1 increased 2,980 percent nationally from September 2019 to September 2020, rising from 0.16 percent of medical claim lines in September 2019 to 5.07 percent in September 2020, according to new data from FAIR Health’s Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker. However, from month to month, the telehealth share of medical claim lines fell 16.5 percent nationally from 6.07 percent in August 2020 to 5.07 percent in September 2020. The data represent the privately insured population, excluding Medicare and Medicaid. [Read more…]
Chubb Finds Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Eager to Do Business Digitally
Chubb announced a new report, “Digital Business Accelerated,” which explores how small and mid-sized businesses are approaching an evolving, digital-first marketplace – a transformation made all the more critical by COVID-19. [Read more…]
Study by Actuarial Firm Finds Paradigm Catastrophic Care Management’s Improved Outcomes Managing Workers’ Compensation Claims
Paradigm, the industry leader in solving catastrophic and complex health care challenges and improving lives, today announced the results of a study1 conducted by an independent actuarial firm. Among other key findings, the study shows that catastrophic workers’ compensation cases managed by Paradigm achieved lifetime medical savings of 32%, and a return to work rate nearly six times higher than industry standards. The study examines a sample of Paradigm-managed cases from the last seven years. It consistently found improved cost and clinical outcomes compared to conventional case management industry standards. [Read more…]
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Expands Reach of Immunization Programs Statewide
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) today announced it has distributed $480,000 in funding to help organizations around the state increase access to immunizations. [Read more…]
WellCare of Florida Earns High Marks in CMS 2021 Star Ratings Report
WellCare announced today its Medicare Advantage plans in Florida received a 4-Star Rating out of a possible 5 Stars from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) annual Star Quality Ratings for rating year 2021. This marks the fourth year in a row WellCare of Florida has received a 4-Star rating from CMS for its Medicare Advantage plans in the state. [Read more…]
Manulife Singapore Gives Back to Healthcare Workers
Manulife Singapore will be offering each healthcare worker in Singapore up to four complimentary admission passes[1] to the Manulife Sky Nets – Walking at Jewel Changi Airport from 25 November to 25 December 2020. The month-long initiative is held in support of SG Cares Giving Week 2020, and a gesture of Manulife Singapore’s appreciation to frontline staff, for their tremendous efforts amid the pandemic this year. [Read more…]
InComm Healthcare Explores Medicaid Subscribers’ Health-Related Habits, Cardholder Experiences
InComm Payments, a leading global payments technology company, today released the results of its Medicaid subscribers research, which found that many Medicaid members are prioritizing healthy habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was based on responses from 1,700 U.S. Medicaid subscribers during the month of October. [Read more…]
Cigna Affordable Care Act Health Plans to Expand
Cigna is expanding access to health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace in 63 counties across North Carolina for 2021. Cigna’s plans on the individual exchange will include a number of features that increase access to quality health care – all while holding down out-of-pocket costs. [Read more…]
Younger Generations Weigh In On Their Parents Medicare Coverage
“Can you please pass the mashed potatoes and do you have enough Medicare coverage?” This may be how the conversation goes for the 59% of people having an in person Thanksgiving this year, according to a new healthinsurance.com national survey. The survey reveals that 4 in 10 have recently discussed their parents Medicare coverage. Of those, a whopping 74% have encouraged their parents to increase their Medicare Coverage during this 2020 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period which ends December 7th. The survey reveals that 42% of those on Medicare have or will explore changing their current Medicare coverage. [Read more…]
Equality Health Expands Value-based Care Model into Texas
Having demonstrated material impact in its first 3 years of operation, Equality Health, a comprehensive value-based care delivery system, announced today that it is expanding its operations into Texas, partnering with health plans and primary care providers to enable improved cost and quality performance in value-based contracts. Equality Health has contracted with healthcare organizations across the state of Texas, with its initial efforts focused in Houston, El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley. [Read more…]
Medicare Scams On the Rise
Health Alliance Plan (HAP), a Michigan-based nonprofit health plan, is cautioning consumers about a recent Medicare scam. Unsuspecting consumers are being engaged in conversations about their Medicare coverage with a Medicare “representative” and, during the call, are asked for their Medicare ID number. This can result in unauthorized changes or even a complete change in the consumer’s Medicare Advantage plan. [Read more…]
Aflac Incorporated Announces Increase in the First Quarter 2021 Dividend
Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared the first quarter dividend of $0.33 per share, payable on March 1, 2021, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 17, 2021. This represents a 17.9% increase over the previously declared fourth quarter dividend. [Read more…]
Coalition of America’s Premier Health Organizations and Many States Join Together with Get Covered 2021 in Push to Promote COVID-19 Safety and Health Insurance Enrollment
As COVID-19 surges across the nation, a new coalition of America’s leading provider and health advocacy organizations and states are launching an unprecedented, unified effort to help people stay safe from COVID-19 and increase awareness about financial help to enroll in coverage under the Affordable Care Act or Medicaid. Increased awareness is critical to protect people during our nation’s worst health crisis. [Read more…]
New White Paper Details Challenges and Opportunities for Improving the Pre-Authorization Process
Availity, the nation’s largest real-time health information network, and Regence, a family of regional health plans serving members in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Utah, announced today the results of their collaboration to improve the pre-authorization process through the implementation of new tools that allow for real-time, electronic and automated pre-authorization. [Read more…]
Genome Medical Reaches 90 Million Covered Lives in U.S.
Genome Medical, a leading genomics technology, services and strategy company, announced today that its virtual genetic services are now available in-network to nearly 90 million people through payer contracts across the country. This accelerated availability of on-demand genetic expertise will expand the application of genome-enabled health care and precision medicine to benefit more patients. [Read more…]
Liz Ross Joins Bright Health Inc.
Today, Bright Health Inc. announced that former Periscope CEO Elizabeth Ross will be joining the Company as its new Chief Marketing Officer on Monday, November 30. With nearly 30 years of experience driving growth through consumer and brand-to-brand campaigns, Ross will oversee all of Bright Health’s marketing and external communications efforts. [Read more…]
Nonprofits Receive $900,000 in Funding from Tufts Health Plan Foundation to Address COVID-19
Tufts Health Plan Foundation today announced 64 community organizations will share $900,000 in funding to help in on-going COVID-19 response efforts. The nonprofit organizations focus on urgent needs in communities, especially those disproportionately affected by the virus. The funding, first announced in June, is in addition to the $1 million in COVID-19-related grants awarded earlier this year. [Read more…]
Americans Will Spend An Average of $5,952/Year for Health Insurance in 2021
NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — With Open Enrollment underway, a new ValuePenguin.com analysis has found that in 2021, Americans will spend an average of $496 per month, or $5,952 per year on health insurance, if they purchase a Health Insurance Marketplace plan. There was a slight 1.59% decrease in premiums from the 2020 plan year, but analysts found significant variations across states, and health insurance plan type:
— West Virginia, New York, Wyoming, Vermont and Louisiana residents pay the highest health insurance premiums in the country — premiums here are 43.14%, 41%, 34.73%, 30.50% and 26.45% above the national average.
— New Hampshire, Maryland, New Mexico, Minnesota and Washington residents pay the lowest health insurance premiums in the country — premiums here are 32.55%, 30.19%, 29.68%, 27.26% and 20.66% below the national average.
— Indiana, New Jersey and Delaware had the largest increase in health insurance costs year over year — 10%, 9% and 8% respectively ($42, $43 and $37).
— Iowa, Maryland and Maine had the largest decrease in health insurance costs year over year — 20%, 17%, and 15% respectively ($110, $69 and $78).
— Notably, New Jersey saw rates increase 9% from 2020, after the introduction of their new state run health insurance marketplace. Pennsylvania, which also introduced a state run health insurance marketplace, saw health insurance costs decrease 8% from 2020.
— The most restrictive health insurance policies – namely HMO (health maintenance organization) and POS (point of service) saw the biggest drop in premiums, compared to other types of plans, falling close to 10.67% and 9.04% compared to 2020. By metal tier, Bronze tier health plans saw the sharpest decrease in premiums, falling 6.86% compared to the 2020 plan year.
According to ValuePenguin.com Health Insurance expert Sterling Price, “Despite decreases in average premiums nationally, most Americans will see their premiums increase slightly for the 2021 plan year, due to COVID-19.” He adds, “Insurers are anticipating a surge in medical claims from the many Americans who delayed surgeries or medical procedures in 2020 due to the pandemic, and the COVID-19 Vaccination. These factors have led to some insurers adding a slight bump to premiums for the 2021 plan year.”
ValuePenguin.com analysts looked at the thousands of Health Insurance plans available from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Using the rates and premiums for each plan, averages were calculated for a variety of variables such as metal tier, family size, county and state. To view the full report, visit: https://www.valuepenguin.com/average-cost-of-health-insurance
About ValuePenguin.com: ValuePenguin.com, part of LendingTree (NASDAQ: TREE), is a personal finance website that conducts in-depth research and provides objective analysis to help guide consumers to the best financial decisions. ValuePenguin focuses on value, assessing whether the return of a particular decision is worth the cost or risk of that option, and how this stacks up with the other possible choices they may have. For more information, please visit www.valuepenguin.com, like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @ValuePenguin.
Additional Information: https://www.valuepenguin.com/health-insurance
SOURCE ValuePenguin.com
Inland Empire Health Plan Receives Health Equity Award
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) received the 2020 Health Equity Award for their ability to engage and connect with members via text message during Governor Newsom’s social isolation order this year. The award was given by mPulse Mobile, a leader in conversational AI solutions for healthcare, during their annual Activate Awards.
mPulse Mobile awarded IEHP the 2020 Health Equity Award for their ability to engage and connect with members via text message during Governor Newsom’s social isolation order this year. [Read more…]
Healthfirst Offers New Shopping and Enrollment Experience for 2020
NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Healthfirst, New York’s largest not-for-profit health insurer* serving nearly 1.6 million members, is offering new ways for people to connect with Healthfirst during the 2020 Annual and Open Enrollment Periods, with options—including online, via video, by SMS text, or by phone—that are convenient and can be accessed from the safety and comfort of home. [Read more…]
Delta Dental Of California Partnership With Lendeavor
SAN FRANCISCO, April 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Delta Dental of California, which offers comprehensive oral health care coverage to more than 36 million members, today announced details of a $200 million loan program through a partnership with Lendeavor that will provide economic assistance and post-COVID-19 pandemic relief for its independent provider network across 15 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Lendeavor, a leading digital lender that provides financial solutions to healthcare practices, will manage the program. [Read more…]
100% Digital Health EMI Network Card from Bajaj Finserv Makes Medical Financing Stress-free
PUNE, India, April 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The funds allocated towards healthcare by the 2020 Union Budget were 5.7% lower than the amount apportioned last year. This combined with the fact that healthcare inflation in India is believed to be increasing at double the rate of retail inflation and that about 56% of Indians don’t have any health insurance reveals the stark nature of healthcare finance in the country. To address this deficiency and make medical care more accessible and hassle-free, Bajaj Finance Limited, the lending and investing arm of Bajaj Finserv, offers a Digital Health EMI Network Card. [Read more…]
HealthWell Opens Insurance Premium Payment Fund for Workers Who Have Been Furloughed or Laid Off
GERMANTOWN, Md., April 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The HealthWell Foundation®, an independent non-profit that provides a financial lifeline for inadequately insured Americans, has opened a new fund to assist individuals who have been laid off or furloughed as a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis. Through this unique fund, HealthWell will provide up to $6,000 in financial assistance for 3 months following grant approval to eligible households which had annual incomes up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level prior to being laid off or furloughed. [Read more…]
Health Partners Plans Relies on Zenoss to Reduce Critical IT Response Times
AUSTIN, Texas, April 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Zenoss Inc., the leader in intelligent application and service monitoring, today announced that Health Partners Plans (HPP), a large not-for-profit managed health care organization serving more than 259,000 members, trusts Zenoss to monitor its large and complex IT infrastructure, helping predict and prevent issues before they impact operations. [Read more…]
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Expands Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
BOSTON, April 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is making a critical public health contribution by re-deploying a portion of its employees to work with the Community Tracing Collaborative and Boston Hope field hospital, two key elements of the state’s COVID-19 response. [Read more…]
Counties Set To Launch Free Prescription Assistance Program
WASHINGTON, April 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — County Executives of America (CEA) announced plans to begin distributing free prescription assistance cards across the country today. The free program is provided through a partnership with United Networks of America (UNA). Similar programs launched by UNA have resulted in over $10 Billion in healthcare savings. [Read more…]
Americans who Consistently Exercised Saw an 8% Reduction in the Impact of Chronic Conditions
CHICAGO, April 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — New findings from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) found that regular exercise is key in slowing the growth of serious chronic health conditions like diabetes, a high-risk condition identified by the CDC that can lead to more serious outcomes from COVID-19. The study showed commercially-insured members who consistently exercised saw an 8% reduction in the impact of health conditions that could lower their overall health and reduced the prevalence of chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, underscoring the importance of continued exercise from the safety of one’s home. The findings came from a new BCBSA report, “Benefits of Exercise,” part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Health of America Report® series. [Read more…]
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation Contributes to Support Communities During COVID-19 Pandemic
MINNEAPOLIS, April 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As needs continue to rise amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation remains committed to making a healthy difference in communities by being responsive and supportive in this unprecedented time. [Read more…]
Tencent’s WeSure Unveils New initiative for Cured COVID-19 Patients
SHENZHEN, China, April 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent’s insurance platform WeSure, launched a new initiative on April 16, following the establishment of the “WeSure Charity Fund”. By embodying the concept of public welfare in the design and implementation of insurance products, the Fund aims to increase philanthropy. Working with Two Sigma, China Guanghua Science And Technology Foundation, the Fund’s latest initiative will provide insurance protection to 2600 cured COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, who are classified as high risk under vast majority of commercial medical insurance policies and cannot be insured within two years following infection. [Read more…]
Parkview Health and Cigna Reach Agreement
FORT WAYNE, Ind., April 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Parkview Health and global health service company Cigna (NYSE: CI) today announced they have extended their contract and will provide in-network access at a reduced cost for Cigna customers at Parkview hospitals. Parkview’s nearly 900 health care providers across northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio will also remain in-network with Cigna. [Read more…]
Aflac Puts People First
COLUMBUS, Ga., April 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Aflac, a leader in supplemental insurance sales at U.S. worksites, today announced its new, people-centric “Not Alone” marketing campaign. Developed in partnership with Dagger, Aflac’s new advertising agency of record, the campaign reflects the insurer’s commitment to being there for consumers when help is needed most. The new campaign focuses on the wide range of emotions Americans experience when they are hit with unexpected health care costs, emphasizing that Aflac helps pay out-of-pocket expenses health insurance does not cover and giving consumers more control over what otherwise might be uncontrollable situations. [Read more…]
AdhereHealth Expands Medication Adherence Technology Solution
NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — AdhereHealth announced today it is expanding the company’s industry-leading technology platform into the commercial health insurance market to address the nation’s growing medication adherence challenge. [Read more…]
Milliman projects COVID-19 pandemic could reduce 2020 U.S. healthcare expenditures
SEATTLE, April 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Milliman, Inc., a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, released a report today projecting the COVID-19 pandemic will reduce U.S. nationwide healthcare expenditures by at least $75 billion and by as much as $575 billion in 2020. The report, “Estimating the financial impact of COVID-19 on 2020 healthcare costs,” models 18 different scenarios with varying infection rates and durations of care deferral. Key findings of the report include: [Read more…]
Independence Blue Cross joins Blue plans to address COVID-19 pandemic
PHILADELPHIA, April 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Independence Blue Cross’ extensive efforts to assist members, hospitals and health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic are included in an announcement by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) this week summarizing the collective work of BCBSA’s 36 independent and locally-operated plans across the United States. BCBSA reports that companies in the Association have committed a total of nearly $3 billion to date to aid in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. [Read more…]
Florida Blue Announces New Health Insurance Solution
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Florida Blue today announced Truli for Health (Truli), an affiliate of Florida Blue and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, as a new health maintenance organization designed to provide Florida’s small and medium-sized employers with affordable, quality health insurance solutions for their employees. Truli will expand health care coverage options for local businesses through partnerships with trusted community healthcare providers. It will first launch in Central and select South Florida counties on July 1, 2020. [Read more…]
Fidelis Care Expands Access to Telehealth Services to Support Members
To support members and the health of local communities during the COVID-19 outbreak, Fidelis Care has expanded access to telehealth services, covering virtual visits with providers from the safety, comfort, and convenience of a member’s home for a $0 copay. [Read more…]
Nonstop Wellness Program Now Offered through Health Insurance Brokers
CONCORD, Calif., April 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Nonstop Administration and Insurance Services, Inc. (Nonstop) has announced that they will now sell their flagship product through a channel program to health benefits brokers nationally. Nonstop Wellness is a proprietary employer-sponsored health insurance product that combines an ACA-approved high deductible health plan (HDHP) with a Medical Expense Reimbursement Program (MERP), which eliminates or reduces employee out-of-pocket costs, and potentially reduces health insurance premiums 8-10% on renewal. The results are better employee health benefits for less than a traditional health insurance plan. [Read more…]
Most Health Insurers Are Waiving Costs for COVID-19 but Few Expect to Raise Premiums
According to a new survey of health insurance companies released today by eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH) (eHealth.com), nearly all are making changes to help consumers impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus. A strong majority (97%) say they are waiving out-of-pocket costs associated with testing. Sixty percent of insurer respondents say they are currently offering some form of premium deferral program for those impacted by the coronavirus. [Read more…]
Centivo Launches New Health Plan Solution
NEW YORK, April 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Centivo today launched its new self-funded health plan solution, which is built to save 15 percent or more compared to traditional health plans and is easy to use for the employer and the employee. The solution provides plan options for employees, including low-cost, primary care-based models to help them navigate the health care system and guide patients to the right specialists and facilities. Centivo does this by using advanced analytics to build cost-effective networks directly with high-quality health systems and independent practice partners. The solution will initially be available in three markets — Metro New York, Orlando, and Jacksonville — with additional markets to be added over the course of the year. Centivo also partners with employers and their advisors to implement custom local network solutions in other markets. [Read more…]
Independence Blue Cross Offers Quil COVID-19 Preparedness Tool to Members
PHILADELPHIA, April 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — During these uncertain times, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest health advice and to maintain a sense of normalcy. To help its members navigate some of the challenges they may be facing during the COVID-19 outbreak, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is offering a comprehensive COVID-19 Preparedness Tool developed by Quil to some Independence members at no cost. [Read more…]
Survey Finds Spike in Telemedicine Use Among Massachusetts Residents
Massachusetts residents are radically changing the way they access medical care, according to the latest wave of a Massachusetts tracking poll which found a more than 200% rise in the use of telemedicine. [Read more…]
GuideWell Launches $125,000 COVID-19 Health Innovation Collaborative
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell), the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies focused on transforming health care, announced its COVID-19 Health Innovation Collaborative, an initiative that seeks to connect diverse innovative health-technology companies across the U.S. to bring forth solutions that address gaps in response to global health pandemics. [Read more…]
Blue Shield of California Names Seth Glickman Chief Health Officer
OAKLAND, Calif., March 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Shield of California today announced Seth Glickman, M.D. as the health plan’s chief health officer. [Read more…]
TriNet Webinar: Bridging the Health Coverage Gap–Facilitating Access to Alternative Offerings for Small and Medium Size Businesses
DUBLIN, Calif., March 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ —
WHAT
Webinar: Bridging the Health Coverage Gap
With COVID-19 delivering the U.S. economy a hard hit, along with employees at risk of losing their health coverage, small and medium size businesses need to understand the range of health coverage offerings available to them. TriNet is responding to the growing coverage gap by facilitating access to alternative health plan options in addition to COBRA.
Topics to be discussed include:
Who might be at risk of losing health coverage as a result of the current crisis?
Health plan options for employees who lose coverage
Determining which option might be right for SMB owners and their employees
TriNet resources that can help SMBs navigate their options
WHO
Ed Griese, Senior Vice President of Insurance Services, TriNet
Jeff Smedsrud, Co-Founder Healthcare.com, Founder and CEO Pivot Health
WHEN
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 | 10 – 11 a.m. PT/ 1 – 2 p.m. ET
WHERE
Register here to join TriNet’s continuing conversation about the impact of COVID-19 on SMBs. If unable to attend, register here and TriNet will email a link to the recording
About TriNet
TriNet (NYSE: TNET) provides small and medium size businesses (SMBs) with full-service HR solutions tailored by industry. To free SMBs from HR complexities, TriNet offers access to human capital expertise, benefits, risk mitigation and compliance, payroll and real-time technology. From Main Street to Wall Street, TriNet empowers SMBs to focus on what matters most-growing their business. TriNet, incredible starts here. For more information, visit TriNet.com or follow us on Twitter.
TriNet and the TriNet logo are registered trademarks of TriNet. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or registered service marks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE TriNet
Usage of Telehealth and Retail Clinics Grew from 2017 to 2018 While That of ERs, ASCs and Urgent Care Declined
NEW YORK, March 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — From 2017 to 2018, telehealth use grew 12 percent and use of retail clinics grew 10 percent, but use of urgent care centers, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and emergency rooms (ERs) all declined, according to newly released findings from FAIR Health. Urgent care center use fell 11 percent, ASC use fell 12 percent and ER use fell 15 percent. These are among the findings in a new FAIR Health white paper containing the third annual edition of FH® Healthcare Indicators and FH® Medical Price Index. [Read more…]
Florida Blue Waives Cost-Sharing for COVID-19 Treatment
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer, announced today it will waive cost-sharing through June 1 for its members who must undergo treatment for COVID-19, including in-patient hospital admissions. [Read more…]
Blue Cross Blue Shield/MassINC Survey Finds Public Health Campaign Leading to Near Universal Awareness and Action on Coronavirus
BOSTON, March 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — An unprecedented public health campaign aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus is having a near-universal effect on public behavior, the third week of a Massachusetts tracking poll finds. New key findings include: [Read more…]
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Waiving Member Costs Related to COVID-19 Treatment
WELLESLEY, Mass., March 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Harvard Pilgrim Health Care today announced it is waiving member cost-sharing related to treatment for COVID-19. The waiver applies to medical costs associated with COVID-19 treatment at in-network facilities and out-of-network emergencies. [Read more…]
Centene To Expand Access, Reduce Cost Of Care For Most Vulnerable Populations Affected By COVID-19
ST. LOUIS, April 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Centene (NYSE: CNC) today announced a series of additional measures to support the most vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on actions already taken in partnership with the White House Coronavirus Task Force, the Company announced it will cover the cost of COVID-19-related treatments for Medicare, Medicaid and Marketplace members. In order to expedite care and eliminate the administrative burden to providers, the Company is also eliminating the need for providers to collect co-pays and removing authorization requirements for COVID-19 related treatment. [Read more…]
New Analytic-Powered COVID-19 Calculator Estimates Medical Costs
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla., April 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Care Bridge International, a data analytics corporation, today announced a new COVID-19 Calculator that estimates the true exposure of medical treatment and costs related to COVID-19 claims. As a public service during this difficult time, Care Bridge International is offering a FREE interactive tool at https://www.AnalyticPoweredCOVID19.com for businesses who need to understand the average medical costs associated with a COVID-19 diagnosis for a Workers Compensation claim, Group health or General Liability claims or the costs for Medicare beneficiaries. [Read more…]
AmeriLife® Expands Medicare-Centric Services with Acquisition of Jack Schroeder & Associates
CLEARWATER, Fla., April 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — AmeriLife Group, LLC (AmeriLife), the national leader in marketing and distributing life, health and retirement solutions, has acquired a majority interest in Jack Schroeder and Associates, LLC (JSA), an insurance marketing organization based in Green Bay, Wisc. [Read more…]
HealthVerity emerges as the largest healthcare data ecosystem in the US
PHILADELPHIA, March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — HealthVerity, the trusted technology partner to the life sciences and insurance industries, announced today the expansion of its healthcare data ecosystem to include the most comprehensive set of closed pharmacy and medical payer data available in the market. The addition of multiple payer-oriented data sources to HealthVerity Marketplace, the self-service cloud platform for the discovery and linkage of healthcare and consumer data, solidifies HealthVerity as the largest healthcare data ecosystem in the US. [Read more…]
Corporate Insight Expands Healthcare Research Suite
NEW YORK, March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Corporate Insight, the leading provider of competitive intelligence and user experience research, today announced the release of its new Medicare Monitor. This service benchmarks all aspects of the digital user experience for Medicare plan prospects and members, from account opening and onboarding to the secure customer web and mobile platforms offered by the nation’s leading healthcare insurers. [Read more…]
Cigna Announces Commencement of Tender Offers
BLOOMFIELD, Conn., March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) announced today that it has commenced tender offers to purchase for cash (1) up to $500,000,000 (the “2022 Notes Aggregate Maximum Principal Amount”) of Cigna Holding Company’s 4.000% Senior Notes due 2022, Cigna Corporation’s 4.000% Senior Notes due 2022, Express Scripts Holding Company’s 3.900% Senior Notes due 2022 and Cigna Corporation’s 3.900% Senior Notes due 2022 (collectively, the “2022 Existing Notes,” and such tender offer, the “2022 Notes Tender Offer”) and (2) up to $950,000,000 (the “2023 Notes Aggregate Maximum Principal Amount”) of Cigna Holding Company’s 7.650% Senior Notes due 2023, Cigna Corporation’s 7.650% Senior Notes due 2023 and 3.750% Senior Notes due 2023, Express Scripts Holding Company’s 3.000% Senior Notes due 2023 and Cigna Corporation’s 3.000% Senior Notes due 2023 (collectively, the “2023 Existing Notes,” and such tender offer, the “2023 Notes Tender Offer”), in each case, validly tendered and accepted by Cigna, upon the terms (including the Aggregate Maximum Principal Amount Allocation (as defined below)) and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated March 4, 2020 and the related Letter of Transmittal (collectively, the “Offer to Purchase”). The 2022 Existing Notes and the 2023 Existing Notes are referred to collectively as the “Securities” and the 2022 Notes Tender Offer and the 2023 Notes Tender Offer are referred to collectively as the “Tender Offers.” [Read more…]
MedCrypt Joined by Former FDA Leader Seth Carmody as Vice President of Regulatory Strategy
SAN DIEGO, March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — MedCrypt Inc., the proactive healthcare security provider, today announced Seth Carmody as the new vice president of regulatory strategy. Prior to MedCrypt, Carmody worked as the cybersecurity program manager in the Office of the Center Director, Emergency Preparedness/Operations & Medical Countermeasures, within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). Carmody brings over eight years of experience in guiding medical device cybersecurity regulatory strategy as well as managing regulatory response to cybersecurity matters. [Read more…]
Cigna and the Cigna Foundation Help Those Affected by Nashville Tornado
NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Global health service company Cigna (NYSE: CI) is taking steps to help people who were impacted by Tuesday’s tornado in Nashville. Cigna is easing some health benefits plan and prescription requirements, and expanding access to a toll-free help line for people living in Benton, Davidson, Knox, Putnam, Shelby and Wilson counties. [Read more…]
New Mexico Becomes Third State to Cap Monthly Insulin Co-Pays
ARLINGTON, Va., March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico signed legislation capping monthly copayments for insulin at $25, making New Mexico the third state to enact a co-pay cap—with the lowest dollar amount for a co-pay cap introduced at the state level to date. Insulin affordability is a critical issue facing millions of Americans, with the price of insulin nearly tripling between 2002 and 2013. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) applauds Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and bill sponsors Senator Daniel A. Ivey-Soto and Representative Micaela Lara Cadena for their leadership on this urgently needed legislation to provide relief from the burden of high insulin costs for people living with diabetes in New Mexico. [Read more…]
Matthew LeBlanc Named Eastern Region Healthcare Practice Leader
BOSTON and SAN FRANCISCO, March 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Edgewood Healthcare Advisors, a division of EPIC, announced today that Matthew LeBlanc has been named Healthcare Practice Leader for the Eastern Region reporting to Susan Tewhill, National Healthcare Practice Leader for Edgewood Healthcare Advisors. [Read more…]
Hub International Acquires LSM Insurance Services
CHICAGO, March 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Hub International Limited (Hub), a leading global insurance brokerage, announced today that it has acquired LSM Insurance Services Ltd. (LSM). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Canada, LSM is a leading online provider of life and health insurance solutions. The LSM team has a combined 100 years of experience in the life insurance industry. LSM specializes in the hard-to-insure market and helps find affordable life insurance solutions for clients with health issues. Lorne Marr, Owner and Director of LSM, will join Hub Financial Inc., a subsidiary of Hub.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us,” said Mr. Marr. “We look forward to helping Hub Financial build the most robust lead generation program in the industry.”
Hub combines extensive sales training and coaching with industry-leading back office support and exceptional technology to provide financial advisors and insurance brokers, with access to development tools and education while maintaining their independence and self-governance. With offices in 15 cities across Canada, Hub Financial Inc. is one of Canada’s largest distributors of life insurance and investment solutions to advisors with the convenience of local support and the security of national scope and size.
About Hub’s M&A Activities
Hub International Limited is committed to growing organically and through acquisitions to expand its geographic footprint and strengthen industry and product expertise. For more information on the Hub M&A experience, visit WeAreHub.com.
About Hub International
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Hub International Limited is a leading full-service global insurance broker providing property and casualty, life and health, employee benefits, investment and risk management products and services. With more than 12,000 employees in offices located throughout North America, Hub’s vast network of specialists provides peace of mind on what matters most by protecting clients through unrelenting advocacy and tailored insurance solutions. For more information, please visit www.hubinternational.com.
SOURCE Hub International Limited
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation Healthy Food, Healthy Community Award
HARTFORD, Conn., March 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation recently announced that nominations are open for its Healthy Food, Healthy Community Award, which will recognize one non-profit organization in Connecticut that is making an impact by connecting healthy food to families. The non-profit will be awarded $5,000 by the Foundation. [Read more…]
Ulya Khan Joins Peerfit Board
TAMPA, Fla., March 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Peerfit, the digital health company that works with employers and insurance carriers to fully fund fitness experiences for their employees and members, announced today that Ulya Khan, a former Tivity Health Chief Operating and Product Officer and industry veteran, has joined its board of directors. [Read more…]
eHealth, Inc. to Present at Upcoming Investor Conferences
SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH), a leading private online health insurance exchange, today announced that Scott Flanders, Chief Executive Officer will present at the Barclays Global Healthcare Conference on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 10:15 a.m. E.T. This event will be held at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. [Read more…]
Ethisphere Institute Names Health Care Service Corporation one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies
CHICAGO, Feb. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), the largest customer-owned health insurer in U.S., has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the 2020 World’s Most Ethical Companies®. [Read more…]
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