Aetna
- Aetna completed acquisition of BSwift:
http://insuranceexchanges.einnews.com/article__detail/236467966?lcode=hfMbwhGxegICtWFI2aO5GQ%3D%3D - Aetna stock is trending to become a good buy at fair price:
http://seekingalpha.com/article/2707485-aetna-has-potential-for-investors-at-a-fair-price - Aetna becomes a member of Swiss Life Network
http://www.bpjs.ayobelisaham.com/videos/aetna-to-become-member-of-swiss-life-network - Aetna is dropping personal health coverage in Oklahoma
Policyholders (8700) were notified last week of the company’s decision, only a few days before the second annual enrollment opened Saturday for Oklahoma’s federally-run online health insurance marketplace or “exchange” on which Aetna is encouraging affected Oklahomans to shop.
Cigna
- Cigna receives a buy recommendation:
A number of analysts have recently weighed in on CI shares. Analysts at Bank of America raised their price target on shares of CIGNA from $114.00 to $120.00 in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. They now have a “buy” rating on the stock. Separately, analysts at Zacks reiterated a “neutral” rating on shares of CIGNA in a research note on Monday, November 10th. They now have a $104.00 price target on the stock
- HDL will be laying off staff while in a lawsuit with Cigna:
Cigna sued HDL last month in federal court, claiming over HDL was involved in a scheme to collect “exorbitant reimbursement rates for thousands of claims,” reported Forbes. The federal investigation, reported by the Wall Street Journal, focuses on $20 kickbacks HDL offered doctors to order tests. HDL has denied the allegations.
http://www.nbc12.com/story/27416463/hdl-confirms-layoffs-amid-lawsuits-federal-investigation
- Cigna working with CT Chamber of Commerce on Critical Choice:
In a fall enrollment season survey, Cigna discovered that 75 percent of respondents believed that health care costs could ruin their prospects of a secure retirement; while 44 percent worried they won’t have the money to pay for their child’s college education. Cigna’s Critical Choice coverage provides a lump sum payment for covered conditions to help an individual pay medical bills when the unexpected occurs.
Highmark
- Highmark and UPMC to go to mediation to settle dispute over medicade
While the two sides work through their issues, Highmark agreed to rescind contract terminations issued to 689 UPMC physicians, which touched off the dispute last week. UPMC said it would stop telling seniors they will lose access to its system of doctors and hospitals starting on Jan. 1.
This is what prompted the mediation (Highmark was cutting 700 UPMC doctors out):
http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2014/11/20/highmark-cuts-ties-with-700-upmc-doctors.html
Humana
- Humana annouces two ACOs:
Yesterday, the Louisville-based company said it plans to partner with Washington’s MultiCare Health System for an accountable care agreement that aims to improve health for Humana Medicare Advantage members there. This follows an announcement late last week that the company was entering into an accountable care agreement with Summit Medical Group in East Tennessee related to Medicare Advantage members there.
http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2014/11/25/why-humana-just-announced-two-more-acos.html
- Humana is allowing healthcare payments at CVS:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/humana-partners-with-bill-pay-at-cvspharmacy-to-provide-convenient-in-store-health-insurance-payment-option-2014-11-18
United Health
- United stock is undervalued:
The company has grown its dividend payments 30%+ per year over the last 3 years.
- United going after health exchange business:
On Friday, UnitedHealth announced the 23 states where it plans to compete for health exchange business, which started Saturday — a roster that’s up significantly from the four states where the insurer was competing this year.