Category: Healthcare Finance News

Centene consolidating Medicare Advantage plan branding under WellCare

Major insurer Centene said Thursday it will consolidate all of its Medicare Advantage brands under its wholly-owned subsidiary, WellCare. Centene acquired WellCare Health Plans in January 2020 for about $17 billion.
Centene said the move will better al…

Arizona investing additional $60 million to support hospital staffing amidst COVID-19 surge

The funding is expected to decrease stress on hospital staff, increase hiring opportunities and decrease the risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

COVID-19 increased the number of healthcare-acquired infections

Central line infections increased by at least 46%, compared to 2019.

Moderna seeks FDA approval for booster shots of its COVID-19 vaccine

Initial data shows that a third dose of its vaccine boosted antibody levels to a higher degree than the previous round.

Nurses urge HHS to declare the staffing shortage a national crisis

The ANA cited the Delta variant of COVID-19 as a complicating factor that has exacerbated workforce shortage challenges.

CareFirst, Highmark debut labor union health insurance offering

Powered by data analytics, the new offering will pinpoint union members’ need to proactively manage their care.

CMS issues flexibilities for healthcare providers following Hurricane Ida

Hospitals in Louisiana and Mississippi were already overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients before Ida hit.

Aetna, ACES team to launch Institute of Quality for autism care

Aetna has agreed to team up with Autism Comprehensive Educational Services to establish an Institute for Quality targeted toward individuals and families impacted by autism spectrum disorder, among other special needs.
Through the new national agreemen…

Idaho hospitals to get staffing boost to avoid crisis standards of care amidst COVID-19 surge

Idaho Governor Brad Little said the real solution to the crisis is more Idahoans choosing to receive COVID-19 vaccine.

Federal judge issues final approval of $575M Sutter Health anticompetitive settlement

In addition to having to pay millions, Sutter Health must adopt a number of new business practices to encourage transparency and restore competition in the area.