Timeline — Blue Cross Blue Shield plans
This organization's signals on one timeline — one topic-colored bubble row apiece.
36 signals in the last 30 days
+1 more not labeled
Signals in this window
-
Horizon BCBS to acquire Summit Health’s New Jersey business
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey has agreed to acquire multispecialty physician group Summit Health’s New Jersey operations, including CityMD urgent care sites in the state, the insurer confirmed to Becker’s. “We are excited by the opportunity to preserve access to high quality care for all of Summit Health’s patients, improve healthcare quality […] The post Horizon BCBS to acquire Summit Health’s New Jersey business appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
-
‘The market is reaping the benefits’ of BCBS antitrust settlement, Elevance says
Newly enabled competition between Blue Cross Blue Shield plans is continuing to contribute to Elevance Health’s commercial insurance business, leadership said on the company’s quarterly earnings call Oct. 21. Dubbed the “second blue bid,” the provision stems from a $2.67 billion settlement that resolved class action allegations dating back to 2012 that BCBS plans conspired […] The post ‘The market is reaping the benefits’ of BCBS antitrust settlement, Elevance says appeared first on Becker's...
ElevanceBlue Cross -
12% of calls to mental health clinicians in Blue Cross directories yield appointments: Study
Mental health ghost networks reach well beyond public insurance programs. Directory errors affected 55.6% of evaluable secret shopper calls to psychiatrists and psychologists listed by the largest commercial carrier in each of five states, according to a study published Oct. 16 in JAMA Health Forum. Researchers from the Ohio State University’s College of Public Health […] The post 12% of calls to mental health clinicians in Blue Cross directories yield appointments: Study appeared first on Be...
Blue Cross Ohio -
General Motors to transition from BCBS Michigan to Aetna for salaried employees
One of Michigan’s largest employers, General Motors, is switching from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to Aetna for the administration of salaried, non-unionized employees’ health plans, as reported Oct. 8 by the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News. An Aetna website confirmed the insurer will “become GM’s national medical carrier” starting in 2027. […] The post General Motors to transition from BCBS Michigan to Aetna for salaried employees appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Paye...
-
Blue Shield of California adds former Lyft CFO to board
Erin Brewer is joining Blue Shield of California’s board of directors. Ms. Brewer had served as CFO of Lyft since 2023, and she now serves the company in an advisory capacity. Previously, she held leadership roles at Charles Schwab, Atlassian, and McKesson Corp. An Oct. 15 news release said her experience across industries will contribute […] The post Blue Shield of California adds former Lyft CFO to board appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
Blue Shield California -
Catching up with Blue Shield of California CEO Mike Stuart one year in
In August 2025, Blue Shield of California named Mike Stuart as its CEO. Now, a year later, he's reflecting on months of work toward addressing affordability, member access and the patient journey.
Blue Shield California -
Louisiana opens enrollment for 274,000 Medicaid recipients who must switch plans
Healthy Blue, offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana and Elevance Health, is pulling out of Louisiana’s Medicaid program at the end of the year.
-
AHA pushes back on Blue Cross report tying AI to $942M in coding costs
The American Hospital Association is challenging a Blue Cross Blue Shield Association analysis that estimated rising hospital coding intensity added $942 million in costs and linked the trend to AI-enabled billing tools. The AHA argued in an Oct. 5 blog post that rising coding intensity reflects older, more complex patients, not improper billing. The organization […] The post AHA pushes back on Blue Cross report tying AI to $942M in coding costs appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer...
Blue CrossBlue Shield -
North Dakota insurance commissioner posts premium rate changes for next year
North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread on Monday released health insurance premium rate changes for Affordable Care Act plans for 2027. His news release includes a table of ACA small group and individual market rate increases for companies including UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota and Sanford Health Plan. Godfread did reduce some […]
-
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana names new CEO
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana has named Brian Keller president and CEO, effective Dec. 1. Mr. Keller will succeed Bryan Camerlinck, who announced his planned retirement earlier this year. Mr. Camerlinck will remain president and CEO through Nov. 30 to support the leadership transition, according to an Oct. 13 Louisiana Blue news release. […] The post Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana names new CEO appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
-
Why would a payer own ASCs? IBX explains
Independence Blue Cross has contracted with ASCs for years, but its new ownership stake in a surgery center company signals the insurer decided contracts alone were not enough. “Contracting remains an important part of Independence Blue Cross’s strategy, but that alone won’t create new capacity,” a spokesperson for the Philadelphia-based insurer told Becker’s. “That’s why […] The post Why would a payer own ASCs? IBX explains appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
Blue Cross -
BCBS Association reabsorbs data analytics business
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is bringing its data and analytics work “under one internal umbrella,” the organization confirmed to Becker’s Oct. 9. The former CEO of Blue Health Intelligence, an analytics company that has been a BCBSA licensee, said he wrapped up his work with the association in September after “supporting the integration […] The post BCBS Association reabsorbs data analytics business appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
Blue CrossBlue Shield -
Independence Blue Cross launches $0-premium Medicare Advantage HMO
Philadelphia-based Independence Blue Cross is adding Keystone 65 Assured HMO, a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 monthly premium, to its 2027 lineup ahead of the annual enrollment period, according to an Oct. 7 news release shared with Becker’s. For 2027, members can choose from Keystone 65 HMO and HMO-POS options and Personal Choice 65SM […] The post Independence Blue Cross launches $0-premium Medicare Advantage HMO appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
Blue Cross -
'Blue Conspiracy'—Michigan attorney general hits BCBSM with antitrust suit
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed suit against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, alleging that the insurer operated in a monopoly in the state.
-
Michigan accuses BCBS of illegal insurance monopoly in new lawsuit
In a new lawsuit, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is accusing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan of conspiring with other Blues plans to block competition and using its grip on the health insurance market to overcharge the state and underpay hospitals. “This illegal conduct has caused the State and Michigan consumers to pay inflated […] The post Michigan accuses BCBS of illegal insurance monopoly in new lawsuit appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
-
Nessel files federal antitrust lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed an antitrust lawsuit against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mutual Insurance Company Thursday, alleging that the company has violated both state and federal law through agreements with other Blue Cross Blue Shield entities to “eliminate competition for health insurance services to large employers like the State.” The lawsuit, […]
-
HCA hospitals escalate payment fight with insurers
Hospitals affiliated with Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare have sued multiple insurers over alleged claim denials and reimbursement issues in 2025 and 2026. These cases contribute to a broader landscape of legal battles between providers and insurers. Most recently, seven hospitals filed a lawsuit Oct. 5 against Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Georgia, part of […] The post HCA hospitals escalate payment fight with insurers appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
-
Keeping claims out of IDR: How payers are containing No Surprises Act costs
The No Surprises Act has delivered on one of its central promises: fewer surprise medical bills. A survey from AHIP and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association found that the NSA protected patients from nearly 20 million potential surprise bills in 2024 alone. But the law has not worked as intended in every respect. For […] The post Keeping claims out of IDR: How payers are containing No Surprises Act costs appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
Blue CrossBlue Shield -
GLP-1 spending rose 84% in 1 year at BCBS Massachusetts: Study
Higher use of medical services and prescription drugs, rather than rising inflation-adjusted prices, drove a recent uptick in commercial spending at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, according to a study published Oct. 5 in Health Affairs. The analysis was conducted by researchers from Harvard University, along with senior leadership from BCBSMA, including its chief […] The post GLP-1 spending rose 84% in 1 year at BCBS Massachusetts: Study appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Pay...
-
Sentara wraps Anthem negotiations for MA, Medicaid, ACA plans without deal
Norfolk, Va.-based Sentara Health ended negotiations with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia on 2027 contract extensions for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and ACA exchange plans. An Oct. 5 update on Sentara’s website said the health system set an Oct. 1 deadline for Anthem to agree on proposals, but the parties were unable to […] The post Sentara wraps Anthem negotiations for MA, Medicaid, ACA plans without deal appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
-
Independence Blue Cross to pay $22.5M in Medicare Advantage inaccurate diagnoses allegations settlement
The settlement resolves allegations from 2017 to 2021 that the company submitted “inaccurate and untruthful” diagnoses data to CMS.
Blue Cross -
BCBS Minnesota cuts most Medicare Advantage plans following $500M loss
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is discontinuing most of its Medicare Advantage plans at the end of 2026, citing more than $500 million in Medicare losses over the past three years amid rising medical and pharmacy costs. “While I am reassured that our financial foundation remains strong, that does not mean we can […] The post BCBS Minnesota cuts most Medicare Advantage plans following $500M loss appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
-
AHA blog responds to BCBS report suggesting hospitals’ use of AI documentation tools drives increased healthcare costs
An AHA blog published Oct. 5 responds to a Blue Cross Blue Shield Association report suggesting that hospitals’ use of artificial intelligence-enabled documentation tools is driving higher healthcare costs through increased coding intensity. “Correctly assessing the clinical status of a patient is imperative to delivering high-quality care,” write Molly Smith, AHA group vice president of policy, and Jen Holloman, AHA director of health IT policy. “Patients today are older and more clinically...
Blue CrossBlue Shield -
Better Information, Better Care: How Coding Supports Today’s Complex Patients
Correctly assessing the clinical status of a patient is imperative to delivering high-quality care. Patients today are older and more clinically complex, and new artificial intelligence tools are helping providers appropriately capture their patients’ conditions to aid in care planning.A report recently released by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association suggests that hospitals’ use of AI-enabled documentation tools is driving higher healthcare costs through increased coding intensity. Its ana...
Blue CrossBlue Shield -
Aetna, Horizon BCBS join New Jersey working group to tackle state health benefits affordability
New Jersey Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill launched the State Health Benefits Program Reform Working Group on Oct. 1 to review and advise on health coverage for public employees. Ms. Sherrill announced the working group following a Sept. 2 agreement with 17 state employee unions. Along with unions, participants include public employer organizations, legislative offices and […] The post Aetna, Horizon BCBS join New Jersey working group to tackle state health benefits affordability appeared firs...
-
Independence Blue Cross to pay $22.5M to resolve MA fraud allegations
Independence Blue Cross will pay to settle allegations it defrauded Medicare by inflating diagnosis codes for MA beneficiaries. The payer cited “industry-wide challenges” in applying MA risk adjustment standards.
Blue Cross -
11 payers exiting Medicare Advantage in 2027
Eleven payers are exiting the individual Medicare Advantage market for 2027, according to CMS data. Seven of the eleven are owned entirely or in part by health systems. Several other payers will stay in MA next year only through special needs plans, including Molina Healthcare, Horizon BCBS New Jersey, New York City-based MJHS Health System’s […] The post 11 payers exiting Medicare Advantage in 2027 appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
-
Independence Blue Cross to pay $22.5M over Medicare Advantage coding
Independence Blue Cross has agreed to pay $22.5 million to resolve allegations that it used inaccurate diagnosis codes to inflate its Medicare Advantage payments, according to a Sept. 30 Justice Department news release. The government alleged the insurer violated the False Claims Act in three ways for payment years 2017 through 2021. It says the […] The post Independence Blue Cross to pay $22.5M over Medicare Advantage coding appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
Blue Cross -
Blue Shield of California must face mental health ‘ghost network’ claims
A federal judge allowed portions of a putative class action lawsuit against Blue Shield of California and Magellan, the insurer’s contracted mental health services administrator, to move forward over allegations that they published an inaccurate directory of mental health providers, according to a Sept. 23 court order. The plaintiffs are Blue Shield subscribers who alleged […] The post Blue Shield of California must face mental health ‘ghost network’ claims appeared first on Becker's Payer Is...
Blue Shield California -
Medicare Advantage insurers ranked by county entries, exits in 2027
Many major health insurers are pulling back from some counties in 2027, while Singh Holdings, Blue Cross of Idaho and Devoted Health boosted their footprint. CMS released data Sept. 28 on the 2027 Medicare Advantage landscape, showing which counties insurers are serving or exiting next year. MA plan options are decreasing next year in 29 […] The post Medicare Advantage insurers ranked by county entries, exits in 2027 appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
-
BCBS Association names 3 new leaders
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has named a chief transformation officer and hired two vice presidents, the organization said Sept. 29. Lynn Merritt has been promoted to executive vice president and chief transformation officer. She will oversee people experience, corporate strategy, communications and community, and serve as chief of staff to CEO Kim Keck. She […] The post BCBS Association names 3 new leaders appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
Blue CrossBlue Shield -
Texas investigating BCBS over possible denials, delays
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and its parent company, Health Care Service Corp., over potential denials and delays of medically necessary care, as well as prior authorization concerns. Mr. Paxton’s office announced the investigation Sept. 28. The office received reports that pointed to BCBS […] The post Texas investigating BCBS over possible denials, delays appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
-
IBX names UnitedHealth, AmeriHealth Caritas alums as general counsel, CFO
Independence Blue Cross named Christine Kourouklis as executive vice president, CFO and treasurer and Brian Iaia as executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, the company shared Sept. 24. “Christine and Brian bring the leadership and strategic insight we need to strengthen our organization, continue delivering for our members and customers and help shape […] The post IBX names UnitedHealth, AmeriHealth Caritas alums as general counsel, CFO appeared first on Becker's Pa...
UnitedHealthBlue Cross -
Penn Medicine, IBX plan 18+ surgery centers
Penn Medicine, Independence Blue Cross and Regent Surgical have partnered to develop at least 18 ASCs. The three organizations will form a new company to run the centers, which will be located across Penn Medicine’s service area in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. The timing, scope and economic impact of the ASCs will depend on […] The post Penn Medicine, IBX plan 18+ surgery centers appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
-
Hospitals say they’re losing the AI billing war. A new BCBS study suggests otherwise
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has put out a second round of research estimating that hospitals’ growing use of AI-assisted billing tools has added roughly $942 million in excess costs to the BCBS system over two years, contributing new data to the contentious “AI bot war” that’s been playing out across the industry. The […] The post Hospitals say they’re losing the AI billing war. A new BCBS study suggests otherwise appeared first on Becker's Payer Issues | Payer News .
Blue CrossBlue Shield -
The high cost of health care guesswork, and how to address it
As costs continue to rise and visibility around health care choices remains clouded, employers are rethinking how their health plans work. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts looks at the shift toward cost and quality transparency, and where its new plan, Beacon Blue, fits into that picture.