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Telehealth reimbursement parity spurs insurer concerns of overutilization
Cigna says it expects demand for virtual care, especially for behavioral health services, to remain high post-pandemic.
UnitedHealth launching post-discharge home program for group Medicare Advantage plans
UnitedHealthcare will soon be launching UnitedHealthcare Healthy at Home, the insurer said last week, an offering that’s designed to help retirees safely transition back home after being discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
Cigna raises financial forecast for 2021 despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
Major health insurer Cigna beat financial expectations during the first quarter with a $1.2 billion profit, and has adjusted its 2021 outlook to reflect renewed optimism, despite the difficulties created by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
AHA urges HHS to let providers use relief funds until COVID-19 ends
The American Hospital Association sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services this week asking the agency to allow providers to use their COVID-19 relief fund grants past the current deadline, which is set for June 30.
CMS increases Medicare payment for COVID-19 monoclonal antibody infusions
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has increased the Medicare payment rate for administering monoclonal antibodies to treat beneficiaries with COVID-19, continuing coverage under the Medicare Part B COVID-19 vaccine benefit. Beneficiaries p…
Hospital leaders urge vaccinations to protect children as COVID-19 cases surge in Michigan
Michigan is currently experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases, and in response, leaders from 14 hospitals in the state have published a letter urging the public to get vaccines for children who aren’t able to, citing the high number of children who have …
Biden administration to waive intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines
President Joe Biden’s administration this week said it will support the waiver of intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines, allowing developing nations to produce vaccines created by pharmaceutical companies in an effort to further limit…
HHS directing about $1 billion from American Rescue Plan for rural COVID-19 response
As part of the American Rescue Plan, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will make $1 billion available to strengthen the COVID-19 response and vaccination efforts in rural communities.
Biden sets new goal of 70% of adults getting the COVID-19 vaccine by July 4
As the push to get more Americans vaccinated against COVID-19 continues, President Joe Biden’s administration has set a new goal: getting 70% of adults at least one vaccine dose, and 160 million Americans fully vaccinated, by July 4.
Humana collaborating with providers to offer value-based care for those with original Medicare
Health insurer Humana will begin contracting with healthcare providers to offer coordinated care for patients who are beneficiaries of original Medicare.
