Health policy experts warn that any cuts to Medicaid are likely to cause more trouble for rural hospitals than urban ones. That's due in part because rural residents are more likely to be enrolled in Medicaid.
Anthem Health Plans has been ordered to pay back 446 Virginians, who filed claims between 2021 and 2024, $216,964 because the insurer charged a copay to customers for a contraceptive deemed necessary by their doctor. Virginia requires insurance companies to cover preventive services without charging co-pays. Cigna Healthcare was ordered to reimburse 457 customers about $404,000; the company had told them it would lower the amounts it paid, based on the level of Medicare coverage patients had. Virginia prohibits that.
Cigna Group has appointed Brian Evanko as president and COO of the company, effective March 31. Evanko has been serving as CEO of Cigna Healthcare since January 2024, with oversight of all Cigna Healthcare businesses. Evanko also serves as CFO of Cigna Group, a role he has held since 2021. In his new position, Evanko will oversee all of the company’s business lines. He will report to chairman and CEO David Cordani.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma is requiring that its covered patients who have severe asthma to inject themselves with their medicine rather than asking a clinic or doctor for assistance. Patients who take injections like Xolair, Tezspire, Fasenra and Nucala, no matter their age, are at risk. Brad Traverse with Infusion Providers Alliance says the policy change "is purely a money reason."
President Donald Trump's pick to lead CMS will likely face questions during his confirmation hearing today about his past support of expanding the Medicare Advantage program as well as his financial ties to the industry he will be tasked with overseeing.