The American College of Emergency Physicians and the American College of Radiology (ACR) brought a lawsuit against federal government. The lawsuit claimed that the interim final ruling (IFR), on surprise medical billing, goes against the No Surprises Act language and will ultimately hurt patients and access to care. [Read more…]

As a token of appreciation for Spectrum Health employees’ dedication to caring for the community during the COVID-19 epidemic, Meridian Health Plan of Michigan and Apple Spice Catering Company teamed up to deliver 900 boxes lunches to Spectrum Health employees. [Read more…]

Psilocybin and ketamine, which is the active ingredient of magic mushrooms, are promising drugs for treating mental disorders. Psychoedelic-assisted therapy clinics are becoming more focused on the patient experience, and not just the use of ketamine or other psychedelic drugs therapies. The therapy is being seen as a part of the overall experience and not the final word. Experts believe that this new direction, which combines digital mental health therapy and psychedelics with other mind-altering substances, can lower the cost of care and improve patient outcomes and protocols. [Read more…]

Douglas Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Douglas), a privately held New Zealand-headquartered pharmaceutical company, today announced positive top-line data from its multinational, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind Phase 2 study of R-107 designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of R-107 (ketamine 30, 60, 120 or 180 mg) versus placebo for TRD. The study was carried out in New Zealand and Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, and 2021. 168 patients were randomized. [Read more…]

The Emergency Department Practice Management Association (EDPMA), an organization representing the practice of Emergency Medicine, filed an amicus brief, along with Texas ACEP and Virginia ACEP, in support of the Texas Medical Association’s and Dr. Adam Corley’s lawsuit against four federal agencies challenging the legality of an interim final rule issued in September implementing dispute resolution in the No Surprises Act (Rule). [Read more…]

Sensely, a virtual assistant pioneer, announced a partnership with Krungthai AXA Life Insurance. This Thai-based carrier provides health insurance to around 500,000 members. Krungthai AXA Life, a Thai-based carrier that provides health insurance to approximately 500,000 members, has incorporated Sensely’s technology into its Emma application. This powerful digital solution offers policyholders access to a variety of healthcare services and policy information through one application. [Read more…]

Osigu is the most trusted real-time claims and e-prescription platform for Latin America. It announced today that it has secured $7.5 Million in a new round led by IDC Ventures. Jose Vargas, cofounder of Healthcare.com (a leading digital insurance company), was also involved. This funding will allow Osigu to expand into Colombian markets and improve its ML algorithms, AI features, as well as expand Osigu’s reach. [Read more…]

Servatus Ltd is an unlisted Australian biopharmaceutical firm and global expert in the development and identification of new autoimmune therapies using live microbial biotherapeutics. It has received strong support from its sophisticated shareholders. [Read more…]

NeuroSense Therapeutics Limited. is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm that focuses on developing and discovering treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. It today announced pricing for its initial public offering. Each unit consists of one ordinary share and a warrant that allows the right to purchase one share at $6.00 per share. This will generate gross proceeds of $12,000,000. NeuroSense also granted the underwriter a 45 day option to purchase an additional 300,000 ordinary shares and/or 300,000. warrants at the initial price. This is in addition to the underwriting discounts, commissions, and underwriting commissions. NeuroSense’s warrants and ordinary shares have been approved to be listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. They are expected to trade on December 9, 2021, under the ticker symbols “NRSNW” and “NRSNW.” [Read more…]

Radius Health, Inc. (“Radius”) and Menarini Group (“Menarini”) shared details about the elacestrant data of the EMERALD study. These results were presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. The data was presented by Dr. Aditya Barhia, MD as a “Late Breaker”, and shared in an oral presentation. [Read more…]

Today, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, I AM ALS and the ALS Association issued the following statement regarding today’s passage of ACT For ALS in Congress: [Read more…]

CB Intelligence today introduced Jasper Health, an intelligent platform that offers care guidance and navigation to people with cancer, at its third annual Digital Health150 event. This event showcases 150 of the most promising private digital healthcare companies around the globe. CB Insights’ annual Future of Health event featured the unveiling of Digital Health 150 for 2015. [Read more…]

TruHearing and Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company have partnered to create a hearing insurance plan. This will allow benefits professionals to offer hearing benefits as an additional offering similar to vision and dental. TruHearing’s strategic partnership with Fidelity Security Life Insurance Companysup>(r) will allow for increased access to hearing benefits for employees, unions, and public sector groups. It also raises awareness about the importance of hearing care. The plan offers health insurance coverage through fixed indemnity benefits that cover hearing exams and hearing aids. The premium can be paid by an employee or the employer. You can either use it as a standalone benefit or combine it with other benefits. [Read more…]

Gravie was named to Inc. 2021 Best in Business List in the Insurance category at the gold medal level. Inc.’s Best in Business Awards recognizes 147 companies who have made a significant impact on society. Gravie, a health benefits company that makes it easier for people to access and purchase healthcare, was also included in the accompanying article: “A Health Insurance Plan That You Won’t Hate?” This is the Mission of This Company. ” [Read more…]

NCCI recently surveyed over 100 workers compensation insurance professionals to find out what tops their minds are. The survey, which has been conducted annually for over two decades, highlights key considerations for each new year. [Read more…]

AXA Hong Kong (AXA), a leader in Employee Benefits insurance, continues to improve its services for working people with a commitment towards protecting all aspects of their mental and physical wellbeing. AXA offers two new services for its Employee Benefits customers in Hong Kong [1] to improve mental health support and make related services and treatments easier to all employees and their dependents. The only mind health network includes general practitioners (GPs) with a psychology qualification and psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. A new digital one-stop platform for psychological consultation called Mindhealer on Emma, AXA’s mobile app. [Read more…]

Aaliance Insurance (“Aaliance”) joined ETAO to offer healthcare insurance solutions that complement ETAO International Group (“ETAO”) fully integrated digital health ecosystem. This includes medical, research, and insurance services. Aaliance’s insurance products meet the needs of patients by providing access to ETAO’s top-quality medical services at a reasonable price. Aaliance’s customers are looking for superior health management, disease prevention and high-quality treatment services. The ETAO digital healthcare ecosystem offers solutions to their problems. The partnership between ETAO & Aaliance enhances health maintenance services and reduces costs for both Aaliance & ETAO. [Read more…]

Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), a national distributor of life, wealth and health products, announced today that it had acquired PIPAC Life & Insurance Brokerage (“PIPAC”), an independent marketing agency (“IMO”) based out of Cedar Falls, Iowa. Greg Saul (President of PIPAC) and LeaAnn Saul (Vice President of PIPAC), will be Managing Partners in Integrity as part of the transaction. The financial terms of the transaction are not known. [Read more…]

Northwell Health – GoHealth Urgent Care was awarded a Pinnacle Award by the Healthcare Association of New York State. Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care was honored for its implementation and monitoring of antibiotic safety protocols (ASP) in its large-scale urgent care network. [Read more…]

Bright HealthCare is pleased to announce new options for Floridians who are eligible for Medicare Advantage (MA), Marketplace, and other healthcare plans in Sarasota. Residents in Sarasota and the surrounding counties will have access to Bright HealthCare’s Individual and Family Plan, (IFP), and Medicare Advantage through network partnerships with Sarasota Memorial and First Physicians Group. [Read more…]

Bright HealthCare 1 is pleased to announce that University of Florida Health has joined its provider network in Northeast, North Central, and Central Florida. University of Florida Health accepts other health plans in addition to Bright HealthCare. Bright HealthCare members living in Jacksonville, Gainesville Leesburg, The Villages and Leesburg will now have access University of Florida Health doctors and hospitals. [Read more…]

The Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace is open for enrollment until January 15, 2022. The federal Health Insurance Marketplace offers affordable options for Arkansas residents looking for health insurance. [Read more…]

Express Scripts Canada Pharmacy is Canada’s first online pharmacy. It launched a marketing campaign to remind Canadians about their leadership in Canadian pharmacy expertise and their experience in the crowded Canadian market. [Read more…]

Centene Corporation (NYSE : CNC) has signed a definitive agreement for the sale of a majority stake U.S. Medical Management, LLC to Rubicon Founders, Valtruis, a WCAS business; Oak HC/FT and HLM Venture Partners. Centene will keep a minority share in USMM. [Read more…]

Zing Health, a Medicare Advantage provider, has eliminated referral requirements and reduced the number of procedures that require prior authorization. Point-of-service plan members will be charged the same copays for Medicare-covered services both within and outside of their network. [Read more…]

Medicare Advantage members who are Wellcare Medicare Advantage have in-network accessibility to Dedicated Senior Medical Center’s providers. Since April 1, 2021, in-network access to Wellcare has been available, hundreds of Wellcare members have already chosen Dedicated as their primary care provider. [Read more…]

Medicare Advantage members who are Wellcare Medicare Advantage now have in-network accessibility to Dedicated Senior Medical Center’s providers. Since July 1, 2021, in-network access to Wellcare was granted, hundreds of Wellcare members have already chosen Dedicated as their primary care provider. [Read more…]

Open enrollment is rapidly approaching, and many Americans want to make changes to their insurance policies. While the pandemic is the most important factor for many, some are also considering the cost of their insurance policies. [Read more…]

Aflac A leading provider of supplemental insurance products in America Today, Insider Pro and Computerworld announced that the insurance company was named one The 2021 Best Places for IT Work Ranked No. 16 — Up one spot 2020 — among the largest information technology companies headquartered Aflac is a 21st century American company that appears on the prestigious annual U.S. list Time as a company that offers challenging work and growth opportunities. Best-in-class employee engagement and compensation, as well as benefits, training, and benefits. [Read more…]

Bend Financial (Bend), a leading provider of HSAs (health savings accounts) in the industry. Today, the official announcement was made about the addition of existing WellCare Health Plans To its board of directors, Kenneth “Ken” Burdick, CEO. As the first Burdick, an independent director on board, will provide strategic advice direction for Bend’s continued expansion and a focus in the future Health plan space. [Read more…]

Thomas McLaughlin has been appointed to Westchester, Chubb’s wholesale excess- and surplus insurance company. Executive Vice President, Casualty Practice. As such, Mr. McLaughlin will be responsible for product and business development. Underwriting operations and performance in profit and loss. [Read more…]

Geisinger Health Plan expanded its Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage (CHIP), GHP Kids to eight additional Pennsylvania counties. This provides parents with an alternative option for children who are not insured for any reason. [Read more…]

Demandforce announced today the launch of Insurance Check, a new feature makes it easier for Vision Care practices to use the online service. Search in real-time for patient eligibility and benefits. [Read more…]

Kaiser Permanente, the largest national integrated, non-profit health care provider, announced Jenny J. Ming, a seasoned retail executive, has been appointed to the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., and Hospitals boards. [Read more…]

Today http://c212.net/c/link/ “>eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH), the leading private online marketplace for health insurance It announced the publication its inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG report), which details the company’s ESG strategy. Performance for 2020 Calendar Year. You can find the complete report here accessed via the eHealth Investor Relations Website. [Read more…]

South Bend Orthopaedics, a nationally recognized orthopaedics practice, is Orthos Inc. has partnered up with practice to bring about the first-of-its kind implementation Technology where providers and patients can share their experiences with Healthcare is the most difficult: slow authorizations, insurance mistakes, and High out-of-pocket costs. [Read more…]

A new study According to Chubb, cybersecurity is a top priority for Americans. Cyber risks are growing and actions have not caught up with them yet. Significant changes in our daily lives, work and activities. caused by the COVID-19 epidemic. [Read more…]

These new ventures extend upon agilon health’s attempts to enhance and accelerate the increase of risk-based versions of maintenance in key geographies throughout the nation by introducing a comprehensive working platform for integrated delivery and payment. [Read more…]

Orthopedic patients May now schedule their own appointments with Physicians and physician assistants in six Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush (MOR) places. By clicking’Schedule an Appointment’ on the home page of their clinic’s site, www.rushortho.com, patients may select initial available or the most convenient appointment times for engaging clinicians. For individuals who favor conventional scheduling by telephone, this alternative will be accessible. [Read more…]

Health Transformation Alliance (HTA) Published results based on The paid claims data of 1.8 million U.S. workers of their HTA member-owners and their relatives. The study consists of the indirect effect of COVID-19 on non-COVID-19-related pharmaceutical and medical usage and prices from January to October 2020 in comparison to January to October 2019. The entire report can be obtained here: [Read more…]

Magnolia Health, in collaboration with its parent company, Centene Corporation, has recognized Dr. Angel Johnson of Hattiesburg Clinic – Purvis Family Practice Clinic with a national award for clinical excellence. [Read more…]

Chubb has announced two new leadership appointments for its North America Financial Lines division. [Read more…]

Leigh Anne Sherman has been appointed Division President of ESIS, a Chubb company, and a leading third-party claims administrator. [Read more…]

In 2008, Superior HealthPlan partnered with Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to become the first managed care organization in the country to provide statewide health care for children and youth in foster care. [Read more…]

Meridian in Michigan and the Centene Institute for Advanced Health Education™ have announced the Centene Institute Youth Impact Award for Vaping Prevention, a curriculum and contest for adolescents ages 14 through 19 to raise awareness about vaping, e-cigarette use and prevention. [Read more…]

(“Gateway Health”), a leading managed care company specializing in caring for its”overall health” of its associates, and Bridges Health Partners LLC, a Clinically Integrated Network, today announced that they have entered an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) partnership. [Read more…]

Gravie, the leader in defined contribution health benefits, today announced the hiring of Thomas Sass as vice president of business development. [Read more…]

Banjo Health, a startup pioneer in AI-driven prior approval solutions, has signed a philosophical arrangement with ELMCRx Solutions, LLC, a pharmacy benefits management and cost containment company located in Pennsylvania, to improve existing prior approval reporting and management procedures via smart, clinician-focused solutions. [Read more…]

eHealth, Inc. and an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital (“H.I.G.”), a leading global alternative investment firm, have entered into a binding agreement to make a $225 million investment in the Company by purchasing convertible preferred stock. [Read more…]

The Health Transformation Alliance (HTA)has reached a major milestone in 2020. In the four years since the HTA was formed, the cooperative has saved its member companies $1 billion in healthcare costs. [Read more…]

Built In announced recently that GoHealth was honored in its 2021 Best Places To Work Awards. Specifically, GoHealth earned a place on 100 Best Places to Work in Chicago. The annual awards include companies of all sizes, from startups to the enterprise, nationally and in the eight largest tech markets. [Read more…]

The transformational company formerly known as MyMedicalShopper has completed its rebranding as Talon. [Read more…]

Integrity Marketing Group, LLC (“Integrity”), the nation’s largest independent distributor of life and health insurance products, has acquired CSG Actuarial (“CSG”), the industry’s foremost quoting technology platform and data solution for the senior health and life insurance marketplace. [Read more…]

The Fedeli Group, one of Ohio’s largest independent employee benefits and risk management consulting firms, has acquired KAZ Company, an Independence, Ohio based brokerage firm focused on Medicare education and service. [Read more…]

Chubb has earned the highest customer satisfaction rating in the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Small Commercial Insurance Study. Chubb is receiving this prestigious award based on its performance in five key customer satisfaction factors including claims, interaction, billing and payment, policy offerings, and pricing. [Read more…]

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…]

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 (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…]

Two cases of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant, which originated in South Africa, have been identified in the UK. [Read more…]

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 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…]

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…]

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 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 (Cedar Gate), a leading value-based care performance management company, has received a minority investment from Cobalt Ventures. [Read more…]

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…]

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…]

Here are the Top 10 COVID-19 Vaccine Questions and Answers that we have compiled, with help from Ontario’s doctors: [Read more…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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

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 has announced that Chris O’Dwyer has joined the company as Director of Sales, effective Nov. 23. [Read more…]

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, 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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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.

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…]

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…]

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 (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.

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, 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 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 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…]

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…]

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 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 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…]

“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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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

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…]

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…]

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…]