Medicaid, the government program that covers health care for nearly a million Connecticut residents, has become a focus of controversy both in Hartford and Washington, D.C., this winter as costs continue to grow. Care for Medicaid patients cost $9.8 billion in Connecticut in 2024, according to health data site KFF, with the federal government paying for about…
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Jamie Callender, R- Concord Township, and state Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney, D- Westlake, recently announced the reintroduction of legislation aimed at addressing“ a critical shortcoming” in Ohio’ s Medigap insurance market for patients suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or end-stage renal disease. Introduced in the 135th General Assembly as House Bill…
Feb. 18— Most people entering the hospital, whether they're seeking mental health care or going to a doctor's appointment, have more to worry about than just insurance. "There's a lot of concern about accountability," said Joe Feldman, the CEO of Cover My Mental Health, a nonprofit that provides free advice and templates for people seeking help with denied insurance…
Centene Corporation agreed to pay $11.25 million to resolve allegations that a Rancho Cordova- based subsidiary failed to comply with cybersecurity requirements while managing military health plans. The settlement resolves allegations that the subsidiary, Health Net Federal Services, falsely reported that it was in compliance with cybersecurity…
Net loss 1 of $1 M, and adjusted operating income 1,2 of $15 M in the fourth quarter Enact reported adjusted operating income of $137 M 1 in the fourth quarter; distributed $84 M in capital returns to Genworth Completed annual assumption updates with unfavorable impacts to adjusted operating income in LTC and Life and Annuities of $52 M U.S. life insurance…
BOISE— A bill that would require private Idaho health insurers to cover supplemental breast cancer screenings for high-risk patients has advanced to the House floor. On Monday, House Health and Welfare Committee members voted 13-2 to pass House Bill 134. Brooke Green, D- Boise, and Dori Healey, R- Boise, the legislation would require private Idaho health insurers…
High prescription drug costs and pharmacies going out of business, especially in rural Iowa, have once again put pharmacy benefit managers— the companies that function as intermediaries between insurance providers and drug manufacturers— under the legislative microscope. After passing some regulations in 2024, Iowa state lawmakers are this year once…
*Please include vendor name in photo caption. 15 Olives: Award-winning extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegars. Accessory Obsession: Sterling silver- and gold-filled jewelry.
SEVIERVILLE— Potential cuts to Medicaid could affect Tenncare in Tennessee and Sevier County, but so far officials are taking a wait-and-see approach as Congress considers cuts to the federal budget. As a response to the Trump administration's plans to cut federal spending, House Republicans asked the Energy and Commerce Committee to cut $880 billion from…
The U.S. Department of Justice issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2025:. President of Insurance Brokerage Firm and CEO of Marketing Company Charged in $161 M Affordable Care Act Enrollment Fraud Scheme. An indictment was unsealed today charging Cory Lloyd, 46, of Stuart, Florida, and Steven Strong, 42, of Mansfield, Texas, in connection with their alleged…
Ryan Mishler, the chief budget architect for Senate Republicans, pitched Senate Bill 2 as one to "right size" Medicaid, which is the fastest-growing portion of the state budget. Senate Democrats universally opposed the measure, which moved to the House on a 40-9 vote. Fady Qaddoura, D- Indianapolis, said the bill would limit the number of qualified Hoosiers who might…
Under the House Ways and Means proposal, those on the health plan will see their health insurance rates go up by $36.76 a month, or roughly $441 a year. The House budget proposal includes a roughly $200 million tax cut by reducing the highest income tax rate from 6.2% to 6%, reducing how much money lawmakers would have to spend. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D- Orangeburg, a…
Ryan Mishler, the chief budget architect for Senate Republicans, pitched Senate Bill 2 as one to "right size" Medicaid, which is the fastest-growing portion of the state budget. Senate Democrats universally opposed the measure, which moved to the House on a 40-9 vote. Fady Qaddoura, D- Indianapolis, said the bill would limit the number of qualified Hoosiers who might…
Health agents ‘optimistic’ as a new administration takes charge
The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals will gather next week for its annual Capitol Conference, with a long list of issues its members will discuss with their representatives in Congress.
Mehmet Oz, Trump’s nominee to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, pledged to divest his investments in hospitals and insurers if confirmed to lead the agency, he said in a filing with the Office of Government Ethics. Why it matters: As CMS chief, Oz — better known as Dr. Oz — would oversee the largest health care purchasers in the U.S. that do business with and…
LTCi market maturing as more prospects need it
The long-term care insurance market in 2025 is maturing and robust but still needs a large amount of sales to help meet the need that is out there.
Prudential Financial launched OneLeave, adding new absence and disability capabilities to help address the challenges of workplace leaves and the disruption it can create for both employers and employees.
Navigator program winds down – and that’s a good thing
Navigator program funding has been cut by $90 million. Here’s why I think that’s a good thing.
Health insurers operating in North Carolina are required under several laws enacted over decades to provide a variety of medical benefits and coverages. Since 2001, a state law has required the coverage of colorectal cancer screening for every covered individual over 50 and all those under 50 who are determined to be a high risk for the disease.
Medicaid, the government program that covers health care for nearly a million Connecticut residents, has become a focus of controversy both in Hartford and Washington, D.C., this winter as costs continue to grow. Care for Medicaid patients cost $9.8 billion in Connecticut in 2024, according to health data site KFF, with the federal government paying for about…
