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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) released today new research which shows the significant financial costs facing consumers treated for five serious conditions while enrolled in short-term health plans: lymphoma, heart attack, lung cancer, diabetes and mental health hospitalizations. [Read more…]

ATLANTA, Feb. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Lawrence Thompson, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer at Advanced Medical Pricing Solutions (AMPS) has been selected to moderate the opening keynote, “Election 2020: The Future of Health Care in America,” on February 25, 2020, at the HCAA Executive Forum at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. [Read more…]

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — UnityPoint Accountable Care (UAC) is announcing more than $9.5 million in shared savings based on quality and cost performance in the Medicare Next Generation Accountable Care Organization Model. As a subsidiary of UnityPoint Health and one of the largest accountable care organizations (ACOs) in the nation, UAC saw total shared savings of $9,534,791.31 for the 2018 calendar year. [Read more…]

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH), a leading private online health insurance exchange, announces today its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2019. [Read more…]

SUNRISE, Fla., Feb. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — A bullying prevention initiative designed to promote inclusion among students was celebrated at three Florida schools this month with the help of Sunshine Health. The schools included Skyway Elementary and Twin Lakes Elementary in Miami, and J.E.B. Stuart Middle in Jacksonville.

Representatives from Sunshine Health hosted an assembly at each school in honor of National No One Eats Alone® Day, created by the non-profit Beyond Differences™. More than 750 students participated in activities designed to teach them about social isolation and the negative impact it can have on a student’s health and academic performance. The students engaged in a simple act of kindness at lunch – making sure no one is eating alone by sitting with students they didn’t know. They were given icebreaker topics to spur conversations and highlight their commonalities.

Social isolation affects millions of students and has been identified as a precursor to bullying, self-harm and community violence. Students have shown that if they are given the tools, they will stand up for others as empathetic and caring activists, not passive bystanders.

“We recognize the negative impacts bullying and social isolation can have on a child’s overall health,” said Chris Coffey, CEO of Sunshine Health. “We are proud to partner with Beyond Differences to celebrate No One Eats Alone Day and raise awareness about social issues impacting the health of our children.”

“Social isolation is a preventable public health problem,” said Laura Talmus, co-founder and executive director of Beyond Differences. “We’ve learned through teachers and families that No One Eats Alone Day is a powerful step and positive initiative that can change the culture in schools to be a more welcoming place for all.”

The three Florida schools joined more than 2,500 schools across the country to celebrate No One Eats Alone Day. The initiative reached more than 1 million students in all 50 states. No One Eats Alone Day is sponsored by the Centene Charitable Foundation.

About Sunshine Health

Headquartered in Sunrise, Fla., Sunshine Health is among the largest healthcare plans in Florida. Offering coordinated care and a network of support for more than 1 million members, Sunshine Health is transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. Sunshine Health is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a diversified, multi-national healthcare enterprise focusing on under-insured and uninsured individuals. Sunshine Health offers government-sponsored managed care through Medicaid, Long Term Care, Ambetter (Marketplace) and Allwell (Medicare). Additionally, we offer a specialty Medicaid health plan for

children in or adopted from Florida’s Child Welfare system. For more information, visit SunshineHealth.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SunHealthFL.

SOURCE Sunshine Health

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) announced today it will present at the Barclays Global Healthcare Conference, to be held at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, March 10-12, 2020. [Read more…]

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Global law firm Ropes & Gray today announced the arrival of three health care lawyers – J. Harold Richards, Michael J. McDougall and Alex J. Talley – who join the firm in Washington, D.C. as counsel. Their arrival follows that of Stephanie Webster, one of the nation’s top health care lawyers and appellate litigators, who recently joined the firm as a partner in Washington, D.C. [Read more…]

NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY), one of New York’s largest primary and specialty care practices and part of the EmblemHealth family of companies, today announced the opening of an innovative, employee-focused medical office at its 55 Water Street headquarters in New York City. [Read more…]

ATLANTA, Feb. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Aetna, a CVS Health company (NYSE: CVS), is now offering fully insured and self-insured health care network options to its Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Product Organization (EPO) product portfolios through Aetna Whole HealthSM – Atlanta. [Read more…]

BURLINGTON, Mass. and MANCHESTER, N.H., Feb. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Groups Recover Together has announced an executed agreement with AmeriHealth Caritas New Hampshire that will allow its members to receive care from any of Groups’ eight locations throughout the state. AmeriHealth Caritas New Hampshire, is a managed care organization (MCO) that began serving New Hampshire Medicaid enrollees in September 2019 and is part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies. [Read more…]

SEATTLE, Feb. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Accolade, a personalized health and benefits solution for employers, health plans and their members, welcomes ServiceNow Chief Talent Officer Pat Wadors to its board of directors. Putting people first is at the core of Accolade’s strategy and Pat Wadors’ personal and professional passion, and drove her interest in joining the Accolade board of directors. [Read more…]

Is Small Business Health Insurance Plans Difficult to Understand? Dangers

Many entrepreneurs think small business health insurance plans are complicated and expensive. But is this really true? Let’s have a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with them. [Read more…]

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Nov. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) partnered with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, California State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Earthquake Country Alliance, PrepItForward and the Inland Empire Disabilities Collaborative to host the first public Disability & Access and Functional Needs (DAFN) Preparedness Academy on November 6, 2019. The preparedness academy aimed to meet a state initiative to improve inclusivity of preparedness, response and recovery capabilities for all throughout the Inland Empire, regardless of ability. [Read more…]

ALHAMBRA, Calif., Nov. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc. (“ApolloMed” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: AMEH), an integrated population health management company, announced its consolidated financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2019 today. [Read more…]

NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Today, New York Edge, the largest provider of afterschool programs in the metropolitan region, announced a partnership with Fidelis Care, a leading health plan providing quality, affordable coverage for more than 1.7 million New Yorkers. Through the partnership, a variety of health and wellness programs will be provided to New York Edge students and their families during the 2019-2020 academic year. [Read more…]

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) is offering a number of new plan options to its already extensive, high-quality, low-cost Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan offerings during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) running now through Dec. 7, 2019. [Read more…]

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Results from a new survey released today by eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH) (eHealth.com) show that consumers not receiving government subsidies to lower their premiums are more likely to switch health plans during the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) current open enrollment period. [Read more…]

TORONTO, April 3, 2019 /CNW/ — Chubb is now providing expanded insurance coverage through its Private Equity+SM offering to address the unique risks of Canadian private equity firms. Designed as a comprehensive solution, these extended offerings help transfer and mitigate many of the private equity firms’ most significant liabilities by combining four management liability coverages including management (Directors and Officers), outside directorship, professional services (Errors and Omissions), and Employment Practices Liability in one policy. [Read more…]

CHICAGO, April 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Eighteen months after launching its revolutionary employer analytics and reporting solution, Blue Health Intelligence® (BHI®) is providing healthcare insights for millions of individuals who receive health benefits through their employers. The solution, Whyzen Analytics, also has increased operational efficiencies and value by providing more actionable population health information to four large regional health plans. [Read more…]

BOISE, Idaho, April 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — VisitPay announced that Henry Ford Health System will implement its financial platform, which helps patients meet their medical billing obligations and provide health systems with capabilities to boost patient satisfaction and yield. [Read more…]

BOISE, Idaho, April 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — VisitPay announced that patients who use the company’s revolutionary patient financial engagement platform give their health system’s billing and payment experience an average Net Promoter Score® (NPS) of +50. [Read more…]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. and TAMPA, Fla., April 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — This April, in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, WellCare of Kentucky, a WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) company, sponsored Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky’s (PCAK) 2019 Community Awards. The event provided community organizations with resources and tools to host awareness events around the Commonwealth. After overwhelmingly positive responses to the 2018 sponsorship and an increase in applications received, WellCare doubled the sponsorship to $10,000 for 2019, helping PCAK to further community support statewide. [Read more…]

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (“WellCare”) (NYSE: WCG) today announced that it has entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement for its Revolving Credit Facility (“Credit Agreement”). The company plans on using this upsized facility to support its long-term growth plans, including, but not limited to, its pending acquisition of Meridian Health Plan of Michigan, Inc., Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. and MeridianRx, LLC (“Meridian”), as well as for general corporate purposes. [Read more…]

Symbility Solutions (TSX.V: SY) (“Symbility”), a global software company focused on modernizing the insurance industry, is pleased to announce that they have signed a multi-year agreement with Ageas Insurance Limited. Ageas is a recognized leader in the United Kingdom insurance sector for the exceptionali customer experience delivered to their policyholders. [Read more…]

Beacon Health Options (Beacon), the nation’s premier behavioral health management company, has announced that Mental Health News Education (MHNE) has presented its 2018 Leadership Award to Beacon Mid-Atlantic Market President Jim Spink. The MHNE Leadership Award recognizes Mr. Spink for his more than two decades of championing treatment services and public policy that advance the quality of life of individuals and families living with mental illness, substance use disorder and autism spectrum disorder. [Read more…]

Infinisource Benefit Services will be on display with its innovative benefits administration products at the upcoming Coastal Empire Association of Health Underwriters Symposium & Exhibitor Fair. The event will take place at The Hyatt Regency Savannah in Savannah, Georgia on April 25. The 14th annual occurrence of this event offers health insurance professionals in Georgia with the opportunity to participate in continuing education, receive updates on the industry, and meet carrier partners. [Read more…]

The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) is examining the growing issues related to opioid use in America through a three-part series, On Opioids. This series is aimed at exploring three viewpoints on issues surrounding opioid use and workers compensation: those of doctors, insurers, and regulators. NCCI has posted its first article of the series—On Opioids: The Doctors’ Perspectives—on ncci.com. [Read more…]

Florida Blue, a leading health insurer in Florida, has partnered with Welltok, a leading enterprise Software as a Service company for consumer health. The partnership provides Florida Blue members with access to a unique digital health and wellbeing program designed to help individuals become and stay healthy. [Read more…]

Avella will distribute naloxone, a powerful therapy used to treat opioid overdoses, as part of an innovative new program designed to improve access to the drug. The program allows individuals and family members in certain states to simply contact the pharmacy and order the drug by phone, with no physician prescription needed. In these circumstances, one of Avella’s pharmacists will actually supply the prescription if they determine that EVZIO® (naloxone HCl injection) or another naloxone therapy is appropriate. [Read more…]

One quarter (25%) of U.S. employees surveyed have worked with an executive who became severely ill and whose illness affected the company. This finding of the HealthMine 2018 Rising Risk Survey highlights the need for companies to do a better job of identifying key employees who are at-risk for a chronic illness. Once risks are identified, plan members can engage in personalized health actions to help ward off disease. In addition, companies can implement contingency and succession plans should these employees suddenly become sick. [Read more…]

The healthcare industry has been slow to adopt new technologies, including the cloud. However, industry-wide demand to use health data to improve system efficiency, deliver value-based care and enable productive collaborations is driving investment in cloud solutions. [Read more…]

Change Healthcare and Zebra Medical Vision today announced an agreement to create solutions that deliver artificial intelligence solutions to complex radiology reporting environments. Change Healthcare’s proven radiology solutions, along with Zebra Medical Vision’s algorithms, will benefit radiologists and other imaging specialists by improving the efficiency of routine tasks and the effectiveness of workflow in the radiologist reading environment. [Read more…]

Deloitte, a leader in life sciences and health care consulting services, announced today that it has achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Life Sciences Competency status. This designation recognizes Deloitte for its ability to build successful life sciences solutions on AWS to help customers conduct drug discovery, manage clinical trials, engage in manufacturing and distribution activities, and conduct research and development of novel genetic-based treatments and companion diagnostics. [Read more…]

Majorly, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) occurs in adults, however, it sometimes occurs in children as well. However, targeted drugs called Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) have been effective in providing long-term survival rates. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved dasatinib (Sprycel) for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia in children. As the chronic myeloid leukemia is more aggressive in younger patients, the approval of drugs can help in effective treatment. [Read more…]

MyDx, Inc. (OTC: MYDX), a science and technology company and creator of MyDx® (My Diagnostic), the first multi-use handheld chemical analyzer designed for Cannabis professionals and retail consumers to correlate the chemical profile of cannabis with how it makes them feel and which ailments it alleviates, today announced it filed patents on its revolutionary, second smart device — The ECOSmartPenTM — and is now accepting Pre-Orders. [Read more…]

WellCare of Nebraska, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG), announced today that its medical director, Dr. Stephen Lazoritz, has received a governor appointment to the newly established Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council. [Read more…]

Research and knowledge on the effects of nut consumption on human health has increased in recent years, suggesting that nut consumption may play a key role in the prevention of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), among others. [Read more…]

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, and Children’s Hospital & Medical Center of Omaha, one of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals for Cardiology and Heart Surgery, have signed a 10-year, strategic partnership to help drive innovation in pediatric care. Working together, Philips and Children’s will look to identify opportunities to enhance the quality and cost effectiveness of patient services, including focusing on connected solutions in diagnostic imaging, patient monitoring, respiratory solutions and clinical informatics. [Read more…]

Regentis Biomaterials announced today the start of its Phase III pivotal clinical trial of GelrinC for the treatment of focal knee cartilage defects with successful surgery on three patients in the U.S. and Denmark. These procedures are part of a Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) approved Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical study to compare GelrinC to microfracture, the current standard of care treatment. The clinical study will be used to support a Pre-market Approval Application (PMA) which will allow Regentis to market GelrinC in the U.S. [Read more…]

Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC. (Upsher-Smith) today announced the launch of KLOR-CON® Powder (Potassium Chloride) for oral solution, 20 mEq. The Company received approval of an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this product, which will be marketed and distributed by Upsher-Smith. Sandoz, Inc. will continue as the licensed marketer and distributor in the U.S. for the balance of the KLOR-CON® line of potassium products. [Read more…]

WellCare of Nebraska, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG), has announced that its medical director, Dr. Stephen Lazoritz, has received a governor appointment to the newly established Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council. [Read more…]

Fullerton Healthcare Corporation Limited (“Fullerton Health” or the “Group”), a leading provider of corporate healthcare solutions across Asia Pacific, today announced a significant investment from Ping An Capital Co., Ltd. (“Ping An Capital”), the core equity investment platform of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd (“Ping An of China”). [Read more…]

Amendola Communications has added population health technology pioneer HealthBI to its customer family. Amendola will be a key player in HealthBI’s plans for rapid growth in 2018, promoting solutions that are already the most widely deployed of their kind while expanding awareness of the company as a visionary thought leader in value-based and integrated care. [Read more…]

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) and the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NYCHCC) announced today that WellCare of New York was awarded the inaugural Anthony Chiarelli Employment Engagement Award in honor of its “successful practices [that] have provided compelling results on the value of diversity in corporate America.” [Read more…]

Effective today, regulation reforms from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) mandate a new process for surveying the policies and procedures of nursing facilities across the U.S. [Read more…]

Kaiser Permanente researchers in Washington analyzed information from medical visits, keeping private the information that could help identify any of the 22,000 patients in the study. Published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, “Frequency of Cannabis Use among Primary Care Patients in Washington State” is among the first U.S. studies to evaluate the population-based prevalence of patient-reported cannabis use among primary care patients, particularly in a state where nonmedical use is legal. [Read more…]

CareSource and Baptist Health have reached an agreement to provide quality access to health care for consumers in Kentucky and southern Indiana through the Health Insurance Marketplace. [Read more…]

The Arkansas Department of Insurance announced today that ForeverCare, Inc. is certified and licensed as a PASSE (Provider-owned Arkansas Shared Saving Entity) to provide access to healthcare for Medicaid eligible residents of Arkansas. ForeverCare, along with three other provider-led health plans, will deliver access to healthcare through the PASSE model of care, which is unique to Arkansas and provides coordination of physical health, behavioral health and home and community services to vulnerable Arkansans who qualify for these services due to specific health conditions. Care coordination is increasingly important to Medicaid programs and has shown success in improving health outcomes of individuals while reducing costs. ForeverCare is comprised of six partner organizations that represent over 300 years of experience and success in delivering high quality healthcare to deserving Arkansans. [Read more…]

Sixty-five percent (65%) of respondents would be interested if their employer offered easy and affordable access to genetic testing for health purposes, and the results were private and only shared between the employee and their doctor. Twenty-six (26%) percent want genetic testing but only if it is free, and 9% would have no interest in an employer offer of access to genetic testing. Further, 52% of respondents are willing to pay up to $250 for genetic testing. [Read more…]

Receiving a Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau is an honor to selected businesses. Recently, Combined Insurance, a leading provider of individual supplemental accident, disability, health and life insurance products, and a Chubb company, received a 2017 Honorable Mention Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. [Read more…]