GOP president, Congress could dump medical-device tax
For years, medical-device makers in Indiana and around the nation have insisted that the 2.3 percent tax on sales to help fund the Affordable Care Act has hurt business and slowed innovation.
Health Insurance
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Anthem experts testify Cigna merger won’t hurt competition
Anthem Inc. fired back against U.S. claims that the health insurer’s planned $48 billion takeover of rival Cigna Corp. will undermine competition.
Patients rush to surgery before insurance deductibles reset
For patients, the difference between getting an operation now or in January could amount to thousands of dollars out of pocket.
New pricing pressure hinders Lilly push to kick-start sales
The company's top-selling product, the insulin Humalog, saw U.S. sales by volume rise 10 percent in the third quarter. But because of rebates and other discounts, revenue dropped 14 percent.
Rules mandate some firms cover transgender services
Starting Jan. 1, any health care organization that takes federal money for health purposes can’t refuse to provide transgender services.
Health advocates gain favor to help employees navigate health care complexities
Employers began hiring health advocates in earnest nationwide about four years ago, fueled by implementation of the Affordable Care Act and growing public awareness that provider rates and quality can differ greatly.
Under fire, maker of EpiPen launching cheaper, generic version
Mylan will start selling a cheaper version of the emergency allergy treatment after absorbing waves of criticism over a growing list price that made it unaffordable for many patients.
Hoosiers face higher premiums, fewer choices for Obamacare coverage
Hoosiers looking for health insurance on the Obamacare marketplace for next year will see fewer choices and double-digit premium increases on most plans, the Indiana Department of Insurance said Thursday.
Aetna to quit most Obamacare markets, joining major rivals
The decision by Aetna is the latest blow to President Obama’s signature domestic policy law. While it has brought coverage to millions, the new markets have proven volatile for some of the largest for-profit insurers.
Investors betting no on Anthem mega-deal
Lots of investors are betting health insurance giants Anthem Inc. and Cigna Corp. won’t ever make it to the altar—an outlook driven by concerns antitrust regulators or other obstacles will prevent consummating the $45 billion deal.
With health insurance coverage pricey, firms adopt 401(k)-like plans
Health insurance brokers in Indianapolis and across the country are increasingly helping companies, especially small ones, move from traditional employer-sponsored health benefits to what they call an individual strategy.
Sticker shock hits insurance customers of Obamacare exchange
The prices health insurers charge Hoosiers on the Obamacare exchange will drop more than in any other state next year. But for most Hoosiers, that’s bad news. Lower average premiums statewide means smaller tax subsidies statewide to reduce the cost of Obamacare policies.
Soaring Rx costs lift firm’s prospects, job creation
Rx Help Centers assists employers and customers as they navigate through the confusing web of prescription drug discounts. Business is so good that the company hopes to add 250 workers by 2017.
Anthem-Cigna mega deal might snag on Blue Cross
Anthem Inc. has used the Blue Cross and Blue Shield brand names as a powerful tool on its way to becoming the nation’s second-largest health insurer. But those Blue brands now are a hurdle for Anthem’s $54.2 billion acquisition of Cigna Corp.
Mega-mergers pressure small health insurance plans
Mega-mergers among Anthem Inc. and its fellow health insurance giants could put pressure on provider-owned health plans such as Advantage Health Solutions and Indiana University Health Plans.
City dodges bullet as HQ stays under Anthem-Cigna deal
The company says its corporate headquarters will remain in Indianapolis, where its operations are responsible for contributing millions of dollars in corporate taxes and charitable giving.
Anthem’s next challenge: getting regulators to say OK
The next challenge for Anthem Inc. in its quest to marry Cigna Corp. is to get its legal guardians to allow the ceremony to happen.
Reports: Blockbuster Anthem-Cigna deal for $48B imminent
Reports by the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News and Reuters said Indianapolis-based Anthem has offered $48 billion for Cigna Corp.—which would be the largest merger in health insurance history.
St. Vincent to dangle health insurance deal to employers
The hospital system and a partner company have started meeting with health insurance brokers to pitch a program to save employers money by keeping workers and their families healthier.
Customers of Anthem say ID theft proliferating
Anthem Inc.’s massive data breach reported early this year is now generating real cases of identity theft, according to allegations in a small but growing number of lawsuits filed across the country. But Anthem and the FBI say none of the stolen data has been sold on the black market.