Anthem Announces Collaboration With Walmart
Anthem, Inc. (@AnthemInc), one of the nation’s health benefits companies, announced an arrangement with Walmart to advance the companies’ mutual goals of reducing healthcare costs and providing consumers with increased access to over-the counter (OTC) medicines and services that can improve their health. The Anthem-Walmart program, launching in January 2019, will enable consumers who are enrolled in Anthem’s affiliated Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to use OTC plan allowances to purchase OTC medications and health-related items, such as first aid supplies, support braces, and pain relievers at Walmart’s 4,700 stores and on Walmart.com. The new collaboration is expected to improve access to these items while significantly reducing the out-of-pocket costs for those enrolled in Anthem’s affiliated MA plans.
Starting 2019 we’re joining w @Walmart to create program for #Medicare Advantage consumers in Anthem-affiliated plans combining our deep understanding seniors’ healthcare needs w @Walmart’s commitment to saving people money & seamless shopping experience https://t.co/khlmaK5Xe0 pic.twitter.com/Tlm53InbAT
— Anthem, Inc. (@AnthemInc) August 20, 2018
Google parent company invests $375 million in Oscar Health
Alphabet is pouring $375 million into Oscar Health (@OscarHealth), a small insurer that thinks it can use big data to revolutionize its industry. The investment by Google’s parent company, announced recently, follows its participation in a $165 million infusion earlier this year. That round included investments from Verily Life Sciences, a division of Alphabet focused on using technology to prevent, detect and manage disease. Google also has invested in the company through its Capital G venture capital fund.
This Just In
Tune in to HealthcareNOW Radio weekdays at 2:30 pm ET and catch This Just In with your host, Justin Barnes, aka the @HITAdvisor. On this 30-minute, informative program, Justin and his guests will shed light on the latest trends, strategy and innovations impacting healthcare, technology and even entrepreneurialism in America. This episode features Will Hall, CEO of HIPnation (@HIPnationHealth), an Atlanta-based highly affordable healthcare service for individuals and small businesses.
Clover Health Announces Major Expansion with Plans to Enter Six New Markets in 2019
Clover Health (@Clover_Health), a healthcare company using technology to improve medical outcomes, announced a significant national expansion by offering its Medicare Advantage health plans in Camden, Charleston, El Paso, Nashville, Philadelphia and Tucson on January 1, 2019, pending regulatory approvals.
UnitedHealth is buying pharmacy operator Genoa: Axios
The Washington Examiner reports that health insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc (@UnitedHealthGrp) has at least a tentative agreement to buy specialty pharmacy operator Genoa Health from private equity firm Advent International, news website Axios reported, citing a source familiar with the deal.
Cigna Shareholders Approve Express Scripts Acquisition
Cigna Corporation (@cigna) announced that Cigna shareholders have voted, at a special meeting of shareholders held earlier today, to approve the adoption of the previously announced merger agreement with Express Scripts Holding Company (NASDAQ: ESRX) (“Express Scripts”), one of the nation’s leading pharmacy services companies. According to the preliminary results announced at the meeting, approximately 90 percent of the votes cast were voted in favor of the merger agreement. The final voting results will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on a Form 8-K.
Health Care Service Corporation Recognized by American Heart Association for Workplace Health Achievement
The American Heart Association’s 2018 Workplace Health Achievement Index awarded Health Care Service Corporation (@hcsc) Gold-level recognition for taking significant steps to build a culture of health in the workplace. HCSC operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield health plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
In State News:
Amerigroup Washington Selected to Receive Statewide Medicaid Contracts
Amerigroup Washington, a wholly owned subsidiary of Anthem, Inc., has been selected by the Washington State Health Care Authority to receive new contracts, which will enable the health plan to provide integrated clinical care services to Medicaid-eligible residents throughout the state. The new services, which will start becoming effective on January 1, 2019, include a broad range of care such as medical, mental health, substance abuse treatment and dental benefits.
AmeriHealth New Jersey Market President Mike Munoz named one of South Jersey Biz magazine’s “Power 50”
Mike Munoz, market president for AmeriHealth New Jersey, is among the New Jersey business leaders featured in South Jersey Biz magazine’s Power 50 list out this month. This is the second year Munoz has been named to the exclusive list, which highlights influential leaders in South Jersey.
Aetna Collaborates with Four Local Health Systems, Introduces Regional Aetna Whole Health℠ – Southern California Plan
Aetna (@aetna) has introduced the regional Aetna Whole Health – Southern California plan to employers with employees in San Diego County, Orange County, Los Angeles County and select portions of the Inland Empire. The new, regional health care solution includes the networks of four existing accountable care collaborations to improve access, quality and affordability for Aetna customers and members. The four Aetna Whole Health plans will continue to be available on an individual basis for local employers that don’t have need for a network that covers a broader geography.