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In a strongly worded letter sent to UnitedHealth Group’s CEO on May 8, 2023, 175 state and specialty medical associations and physicians’ groups have opposed United’s new policy requiring prior authorization for most GI endoscopic procedures, including colonoscopies, and urged United not to implement the policy as scheduled on June 1, 2023. The letter states

Beating analysts’ expectations, the Cigna Group reported strong profits of $1.3 billion and revenues of $46.5 billion for the first quarter of 2023. Cigna revenues were stronger than analysts expected in all market segments, but were particularly strong in its health insurance business, Cigna Healthcare.  Cigna Healthcare’s first quarter revenues of $12.7 billion were up

CVS Health Corporation reported strong first quarter 2023 profits of $2.1 billion. It also reported strong first quarter revenues of $85.3 billion, up 11% from the prior year quarter. Both CVS’s first quarter profits and revenues beat analysts’ expectations. Revenues were also sharply up at CVS’s health care benefits segment, which includes Aetna.   CVS reported

The health insurers who have reported first quarter 2023 earnings – Elevance Health (Anthem), Humana, UnitedHealth Group, and Centene – have reported strong revenues and profits. These profits have been fueled, in part, by low medical costs, including lower payments to providers than anticipated.  One of the ways that health insurers reduce their healthcare costs

Centene Corporation has reported strong first quarter 2023 profits, with profits of $1.1 billion, up from $849 million from the prior year quarter. Centene also reported strong revenue growth, with revenues of 38.9 billion in the first quarter of 2023, up from $37.2 billion in the prior year quarter. Centene’s membership was also sharply up. 

Humana, Inc. has reported strong first quarter 2023 profits of $1.24 billion, up from $930 million in the prior year quarter, a 33.1% increase. Humana also reported strong revenues of $26.7 billion for the first quarter, an increase of 12% from the first quarter of 2022.  Humana’s first quarter profits equate to $9.38 a share,

Elevance Health, Inc. (formerly known as Anthem) reported strong first quarter 2023 profits with double-digit growth in profits, operating revenue, and adjusted earnings per share.  Elevance reported profits of $2 billion, an increase of 11% over the prior year quarter’s profits. Elevance’s first quarter operating revenues were also sharply up, growing 10.5% over the prior

In the wake of the tragic mass shooting in Dadeville, Alabama, 15 of the gunshot victims were brought by ambulance and private vehicle to Lake Martin Community Hospital in Dadeville for treatment.  Thanks to the extraordinary work of Lake Martin Community Hospital and its doctors, nurses and staff, six of those patients have been treated

Following strong profits in 2022, UnitedHealth Group (“United”) again reported strong profits for the first quarter of 2023, with double-digit revenue growth at both UnitedHealthcare and Optum.  UnitedHealthcare’s first quarter revenue growth was 13% and Optum’s first quarter revenue growth was 25%. United’s first quarter results again beat analysts’ expectations. United posted profits of $5.62

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has finalized its rules governing Medicare Advantage plans.  Of greatest importance to providers are the changes to the rules governing Medicare Advantage plans’ coverage and medical necessity determinations. As stated in the rules’ preamble, these changes “will ensure that MA organizations provide equal access to Part A and