Aetna Taps InStride Health for Specialty Youth Mental Health
By working with Aetna, more than 90% of commercial lives in Massachusetts and Connecticut now have access to InStride Health’s services.
Should CVS Health Break Up?
CVS Health is reportedly exploring a breakup. But some experts aren't sure if this is a good idea.
Consultants: Help Define What’s Next In Healthcare Benefits
Help shape the future of healthcare benefits by sharing your insights.
Aetna Expands Access To Fertility Services, Covers IUI
Aetna will begin covering intrauterine insemination. It is the first major insurer to update this coverage policy nationwide, the payer claimed.
Healthcare Moves: A Monthly Summary of Hires and Layoffs
Here is a selection of recent executive hires, promotions and layoffs occurring across the healthcare industry.
Mental Health Platform Wave Gains First Payer Contract
Wave is now in network with Aetna in California, giving 3 million members access to the company's mental health services.
AHA Urges Labor Department to Investigate MultiPlan’s ‘Unconscionable Practices’
Following an extensive investigative report from the New York Times, the AHA is calling for the Labor Department to probe into the business practices of data analytics firm MultiPlan. The report revealed that MultiPlan works with major payers to negotiate reduced reimbursements for out-of-network medical providers — and that this practice ends up costing patients and employers.
Understanding EGPA: The Role of Eosinophils and Advancements in Treatment Options
FASENRA® (benralizumab) injection, for subcutaneous use, 30 mg is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). FASENRA provides a treatment option for HCPs to consider when managing this challenging disease.
The Kraft Heinz Lawsuit Against Aetna Is the ‘Tip of the Iceberg’
Kraft Heinz recently sued Aetna, claiming that the insurer is not providing all of Kraft Heinz's medical claims data. More lawsuits of this sort are likely to come, experts warned.
CVS Health: 60% of Mental Health Physicians See Patients’ Conditions Declining
New CVS Health data found that while 42% of respondents are concerned about their mental health, only 12% are seeing a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist or wellbeing therapist. Younger respondents are especially struggling: 60% of those aged 18 to 32 years old are concerned about their mental health.
Oshi Health Scores Its 1st Commercial Contract Through VBC Partnership with Aetna
Oshi Health recently entered a value-based care contract with Aetna. The New York-based startup provides specialized virtual care for patients with digestive disorders, focusing on dietary and behavioral health interventions to reduce the root cause of patients' symptoms.
Banner|Aetna launches program to reduce billing confusion among members
Banner|Aetna — the Arizona health plan owned by Banner Health and Aetna — rolled out a new frictionless billing program. It is designed to minimize confusion among members by combining billing information from both the provider and payer.
Changes in Nurse Staffing Answer Clinician Demands
The ongoing nursing shortage facilitates high turnover rates since nurses know they won’t have difficulties finding new jobs. In order to retain and attract staff, it’s in a facility’s best interest to understand what nurses want.
CVS Health reports 15.7% reduction in suicide attempts among Aetna members
Among CVS Health's adult members, there was a 34.1% decrease in suicide attempts in 2022, compared to 2019. However, there was a 32% increase among adolescents, largely due to challenges from Covid-19. In response, CVS Health is expanding its resources with new initiatives that focus on adolescents.
Insurance company abuses are putting more patients’ care out of reach
Insurers’ abuse of prior authorization is creating health risks for patients and contributing to higher downstream costs for both beneficiaries and the larger health care system.
Aetna’s prior authorization policy harms California patients
Beginning July 1, Aetna now requires prior authorization for all cataract surgeries, across all its members and plans. Here in California and across the country, ophthalmologists are going to great lengths to secure approval from Aetna for cataract surgery, while the backlog caused by prior authorization and delayed elective care during the Covid-19 pandemic only grows.
Lawsuit: Aetna fertility coverage policy “an illegal tax” on LGBTQ people
The lawsuit alleges that an Aetna policy discriminates against LGBTQ people by requiring them to pay thousands in out-of-pocket costs for fertility treatments before becoming eligible for coverage. Though Aetna has agreed to pay the costs incurred by the plaintiffs, the suit aims to strike down the policy as a whole.
Teladoc backs national virtual primary care plan for self-funded companies
The plans, which will be offered by Aetna, are based on Teladoc’s physician care team model, and also includes providers through Aetna’s network and CVS Health services.