Susan Morse

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Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court approves Optum’s acquisition of Atrius

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court on Friday approved the Atrius-Optum merger.
Justice Dalila Argaez Wendlandt determined the proposed transaction was in the public interest and that it was impracticable for Atrius to continue operations in its p…

CMS final rule tightens Medicare Advantage and Part D transparency

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a final rule on Friday with policies meant to provide greater transparency for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
 

CommonSpirit Health announces Wright L. Lassiter III as its next CEO

Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health has announced that Wright L. Lassiter III will succeed Lloyd H. Dean as its next CEO starting on August 1. Dean announced last fall that he would retire this year.
Lassiter has been CEO of Henry Ford Health since 2016 …

Medicare Advantage plans deny prior authorizations that meet Medicare approval, OIG says

Medicare Advantage Organizations sometimes delayed or denied Medicare Advantage beneficiaries’ access to services, even though the prior authorization requests met Medicare coverage rules, according to a new report by the Office of the Inspector General.

Moderna files EAU for COVID-19 vaccine for children as young as six months

Moderna announced today that it has submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration a request for emergency use authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine to be given to children 6 months to under 2 years of age and for children 2 years to under 6 years…

Final rule requires insurers to standardize plan options in the ACA marketplace

In the Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2023 Final Rule released today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is finalizing standards for issuers and insurers in the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, as well as requirements for age…

UnitedHealth Group to sell Change’s claims editing business after merger

UnitedHealth Group intends to sell the claims editing business of Change Healthcare once it acquires Change, according to an April 22 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
UnitedHealth Group has entered into an equity purchase agreement t…

HHS files notice to appeal ruling in No Surprises Act dispute resolution process

The Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies have filed a notice to appeal a February ruling that affects the dispute resolution process in the No Surprises Act.

New AHA report highlights surge in hospital input costs

The American Hospital Association today released a new report showing rising input costs for hospitals over the past year for such expenses as
workforce, drugs, supplies and equipment.

Massachusetts AG agrees to $236 million Optum and Atrius Health merger

Optum has received approval from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office to go ahead with its planned purchase of Atrius Health.
The AG’s office has determined that, pending judicial review by the Massachusetts Supreme Court, Atrius Health has met …