Revenue Cycle and Payer News 11-21-2018

UnitedHealthcare’s New and Enhanced Digital Health Resources Help Empower People to More Effectively Use Their Benefits and Curb Health Care Costs
UnitedHealthcare (@uhc), a UnitedHealth Group company, launched new and enhanced digital health resources to help employers access and understand health care data, save on premiums and encourage employees to more effectively use their health benefits.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Walmart Collaborate to Give Consumers Increased Access to Everyday Health-Related Products
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio (@anthemBCBS) will be working with Walmart to give 2019 Medicare Advantage (MA) plan consumers the ability to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medications and health-related products through Walmart’s multiple shopping options, including in-store and online, using the OTC allowance available through many of its MA plans. In addition, consumers enrolled in a 2019 Anthem MA plan that offers the option of an assistive device benefit will be able to purchase home safety items, such as shower grab bars and elevated toilet seats, through Walmart due to its comprehensive merchandise selection.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and Illumina Partner to Gain Better Understanding of Precision Medicine Trends
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (@BCBSAssociation) and Illumina, Inc. announced an important partnership to determine the availability and clinical understanding of DNA sequencing technologies, genetic testing and precision medicine across the country in an effort to provide patients with expanded access to personalized medicine.

Humana Value Report Shows Progress for Medicare Advantage Members Affiliated with Providers in Value-based Care Agreements
For the fifth year in a row, Humana Inc. (@humana) unveiled findings that detail how physician practices in value-based care agreements are increasing preventive care, improving health outcomes and quality measures, and lowering overall health care costs for Humana Medicare Advantage (MA) members.

Apple Watch Now Part of UnitedHealthcare Wearable Device Program That Helps Motivate People to Walk Nearly 12,000 Steps per Day
Apple Watch is now part of UnitedHealthcare Motion (@UnitedHealthGrp), a national wearable device program that encourages current participants to achieve nearly 12,000 steps per day* – more than double the number of the average American adult. Starting this month, Apple Watch is now available to eligible employer-sponsored program participants, enabling people to use their Apple Watch or shop for a new one. An alternative payment option enables participants to receive and start using Apple Watch (initially paying only tax and shipping) and then apply program earnings toward the purchase price of the device. Participants may be able to own – with a zero balance – Apple Watch after approximately six months of meeting daily walking goals.

Aflac Launching Latest Lump Sum Critical Illness Insurance, Finding New Ways to Reach Patients in Need Aflac expands distribution to make policy available to more people working in nontraditional settings
Aflac (@aflac), provider of voluntary insurance sales at the worksite in the United States, announced the initial launch of its latest lump sum critical illness insurance policy, which has been redesigned to include new riders and a wider range of benefits to offer a holistic approach to recovery and care.

In State News:

CDPHP Named “Best Health Insurance” in Daily Gazette 2018 People’s Choice Awards
CDPHP (@CDPHPhas been named the “best health insurance” by readers of the Daily Gazette. The award is part of the paper’s Best of the Best awards, which are nominated by and voted for by readers of the Schenectady, NY-based newspaper.

Blue Cross Shares Its Programs and Services to Help Louisianians Quit Using Tobacco for Great American Smokeout
Last week was the Great American Smokeout, an annual event the American Cancer Society sponsors to encourage people to quit smoking and using tobacco products. As part of its mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana offers access to programs and services that help members quit using tobacco.

Third Quarter 2018 Results:

Aetna Reports Third-Quarter 2018 Results
Aetna (@Aetna) announced third-quarter 2018 net income(1) of $1.0 billion, or $3.03 per share. Adjusted earnings(2) for third-quarter 2018 were $977 million, or $2.96 per share. Aetna’s performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 resulted in net income of $3.4 billion, or $10.37 per share, and adjusted earnings of $3.2 billion, or $9.58 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Anthem Reports Third Quarter 2018 Results Reflecting Strengthening Operating Performance
Anthem, Inc. announced third quarter 2018 financial results that reflect improving fundamental execution across the business. Based on third quarter results and the business outlook for the remainder of the year, Anthem has increased its outlook for 2018 adjusted net earnings to be greater than $15.60* per share.

Humana Reports Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results; Raises Full Year 2018 Adjusted EPS Guidance
Humana Inc. reported consolidated pretax income and diluted earnings per common share (EPS) for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 (3Q18) versus the quarter ended September 30, 2017 (3Q17) and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (YTD 2018) versus the nine months ended September 30, 2017 (YTD 2017).

Cigna Reports Strong Third Quarter 2018 Results, Raises Outlook
Cigna Corporation (@cigna) today reported third quarter 2018 results, with strong performance across all of our businesses.