All articles tagged with #blue cross blue shield
A Florida woman, Briana Boston, was arrested for making threats during a call with Blue Cross Blue Shield after her medical claim was denied. Her words echoed those associated with a recent shooting involving UnitedHealthcare's CEO. Boston, who apologized and claimed she was influenced by current news, was charged with threats to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism.
A study by Blue Cross Blue Shield found that 58% of people prescribed GLP-1 drugs like Saxenda and Wegovy stopped using them within three months, often due to impatience or side effects, preventing them from seeing the intended weight-loss benefits.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana has decided to pause its acquisition plans and withdraw its plan of reorganization with Elevance Health, prompting the cancellation of a Louisiana Department of Insurance hearing. The Louisiana Attorney General, Liz Murrill, has issued a statement on the matter, and more information about the withdrawn transaction can be found on the WAFB website.
Cigna is selling its Medicare insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage, to Health Care Service Corp. for $3.3 billion, marking its exit from the Medicare business. The sale comes after a troubled history, including compliance issues and a settlement for alleged falsification of member diagnoses. The deal will expand Health Care Service Corp.'s government footprint and includes the use of Cigna's pharmacy benefit manager. Cigna will incur a $1.5 billion loss but plans to use most of the proceeds to buy back its stock.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has decided to delay a controversial change in insurance coverage for endoscopic procedures, including colonoscopies, following opposition from leading healthcare organizations. The change would have limited coverage for full sedation during procedures, with doctors needing to determine its medical necessity. Some healthcare providers argued that this change would restrict access to colonoscopies and potentially compromise patient safety, while others suggested it was a cost-cutting measure. Blue Cross cited confusion about the policy as the reason for the delay and stated that they are working to ensure members understand all their options for colon cancer screening and sedation.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has postponed its planned changes to policy 154, which would have restricted coverage for monitored anesthesia care (MAC) during colonoscopies to cases deemed "medically necessary." This decision comes after criticism from doctors, including concerns that the policy could deter patients from undergoing the procedure. The Massachusetts Medical Society president expressed gratitude for the postponement, emphasizing the importance of patient input and the challenges within the healthcare system. Massachusetts has the highest rate of colonoscopy screenings in the nation, and doctors recommend adults over 45 receive the procedure every 10 years. BCBSMA has committed to announcing any further policy changes at least 90 days before enforcement.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has decided to halt a controversial policy to restrict the use of anesthesia during colonoscopies after facing backlash from doctors and concerns about patient discomfort. The policy, which took effect on Jan. 1, drew outrage from medical professionals who argued that it could deter patients from undergoing the potentially life-saving procedure. The company's chief medical officer stated that the decision to pause enforcement of the policy was made due to confusion and the goal is to ensure that patients receive the appropriate level of sedation. The use of anesthesia during colonoscopies has been a point of contention, with doctors and patients preferring it for more efficient and higher-quality exams, while the insurance company had argued that many patients can safely undergo the procedure with moderate sedation.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is cutting back on full anesthesia for colonoscopy and endoscopy patients, prompting objections from doctors who fear that the move will discourage people from getting the critical procedure. The cost-saving maneuver to use "conscious sedation" is opposed by doctors' groups, citing concerns about increased risk of failed procedures, pain, and nausea due to inadequate sedation. The decision, effective Jan. 1 for employer-insured patients, has sparked criticism and calls for the insurance giant to reconsider its new policy.
Grocer and retailer Meijer has partnered with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) to offer a Medicare Advantage Plan called Medicare Plus Blue PPO + Meijer. This partnership marks the first time BCBSM has partnered with a grocer. The plan, available starting October 15, will be accepted at all Meijer stores in Michigan and offers a $0 monthly premium, annual deductible, and $0 copay on many generic prescription drugs. It also includes dental and vision coverage. Members will receive an annual allowance of $660 to spend on over-the-counter health and wellness items at Meijer stores, with the option to apply the allowance to healthy foods for those with qualifying chronic conditions.
Over 1,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan employees represented by the UAW have gone on strike after failing to negotiate a new contract, resulting in longer wait times for customer service. The strike coincides with the expiration of automaker contracts with UAW members, with nearly 150,000 autoworkers threatening to walk out. The UAW is protesting against stagnant wages and the outsourcing of jobs, calling for fair treatment and job security. Blue Cross Blue Shield hopes to resolve the strike quickly, while the union argues for pay equality and robust benefits.