UnitedHealth Group has announced its AmeriChoice unit plans to buy Pittsburgh-based Unison Health Plans, which serves about 370,000 people in government-sponsored health plans. The deal is expected to close by mid-2008 and is subject to regulatory approvals.
Texas based insurer HealthMarkets must improve its business practices--from training agents in ethics to speeding claims payments--following an unusual multistate probe prompted by numerous complaints. HealthMarkets faces a range of possible sanctions, including fines or being forced to re-assess denied claims.
The Zagat Health Survey has officially launched for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield members to grade their doctors online. Although other websites allow patients to rate their physicians and view evaluations of doctors, Anthem parent WellPoint Inc. is believed to be the first U.S. health insurer to offer such an online program.
The Legislative Commission on Affordable Health Care has called for a $20 million expansion in health coverage for children of the working poor as a first step toward covering all Iowa children. Iowa Sen. Jack Hatch said the group's study would nudge Iowa toward universal health coverage, but he added the proposal offered no specifics on how to pay for it.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm is backing a proposed constitutional amendment that would require the state to enact some form of universal healthcare for Michigan citizens. Sponsored by an array of labor unions, the AARP, and other civic and religious activists, the proposed amendment would require the state Legislature to provide "comprehensive and affordable" healthcare.
Bethesda, MD-based Coventry Health Care Inc. has been selected by the Pennsylvania Employee Benefit Trust Fund to provide health insurance to about 50,000 of its retirees beginning April 1. Patients using the plan will have access to a 24-hour nurse line, enhanced clinical programs and wellness programs.