New & Notable
United promises another 30% cut to prior auths in 2026
United will eliminate prior authorizations for more outpatient, chiropractic and diagnostic care this year as part of a pledge to streamline the process.
Most people benefit from the ACA's free preventive services
A new report shows that a majority of privately insured patients used at least one preventive service covered by the ACA, saving thousands on out-of-pocket costs.
How are states preparing for Medicaid work requirements?
A recent KFF report outlined the variable strategies states have adopted to implement Medicaid work requirements, ranging from enforcement to IT adoption.
Cigna exits ACA exchanges despite dramatic profit growth in Q1
The Connecticut-based insurer plans to say goodbye to the ACA exchanges after this year, and is exploring a potential sale of its controversial claims review subsidiary.
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Healthcare Strategies: A Podcast
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A podcast for healthcare professionals seeking solutions to today's and tomorrow's top challenges. Hosted by the editors of Xtelligent Healthcare Media, this podcast series focuses on real-world use cases that are leading to tangible improvements in care quality, outcomes, and cost.
Guests from leading provider, payer, government, and other organizations share their approaches to transforming healthcare in a meaningful and lasting way.
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Latest News
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Payers face faster prior authorization approvals under CMS proposal
Under the proposed rule, affected payers would need to respond to urgent prior authorization requests for drugs within 24 hours and to standard requests within 72 hours.
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Digital member experience improves for health plans, gaps remain
A recent JD Power survey showed that, although the digital member experience is improving for health plans, there's room to grow for onboarding and patient education.
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Major payers say they cut prior authorizations by 11%
Major Blues plans, Cigna, Humana and United are among the payers reporting reduced prior authorizations amid an industry-wide push to streamline the process.
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Insurers get a 2.48% MA pay bump after close call with a flat rate
CMS backtracked on a less than 1% payment rate increase for Medicare Advantage plans, instead finalizing a nearly 2.5% boost and sidestepping risk adjustment changes.
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CMMI has lost $5.4B. Now, lawmakers are questioning its value.
A new GAO report found a 5% success rate for models tested by the CMS Innovation Center, prompting lawmakers to consider reform to advance value-based care.
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After ACA subsidy lapse, consumers opt for low-cost Marketplace plans
The number of patients selecting low-cost, high-deductible ACA marketplace plans rose from 30% to 40% for the 2026 Open Enrollment Period.
Features
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5 healthcare pros on the trends defining primary care
The 2025 Payer + Provider Virtual Summit explored AI, value-based care and community-based partnerships, offering strategies on how to promote primary and preventive care.
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How payers can regain consumer trust via personalized care
Creating personalized health plans is central to regaining consumer trust. To do that, payers must outline safeguards for member data and create seamless experiences.
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With trust low and costs high, do payers stand to lose members?
Healthcare payers might see fewer enrollments as members face higher prices for a product they don't trust or see as high value.
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Breaking down the ABCs of rising alternative health plans
More employers are seeking alternative health plans, like AHPs and ICHRAs, to bend the cost curve, but education is key to navigating their growing popularity.