Here are five updates from some of the U.S.' largest payers reported by Becker's since Sept. 21:
1. Centene is laying off about 2,000 employees starting Oct. 2, or about 3 percent of its workforce, as the company faces financial difficulties over Medicaid redeterminations and Medicare Advantage star ratings.
2. A government shutdown could cause hiccups in the unwinding of Medicaid continuous coverage requirements. Though essential functions will continue, it could be difficult for states to get technical assistance from CMS during the shutdown, and the agency could have limited oversight of the process.
3. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana's sale to Elevance Health for $2.5 billion is temporarily on hold. The companies said they "remain committed to refiling the plan of reorganization and acquisition application." A BCBS spokesperson said they are hopeful a deal can still be closed in early 2024.
4. The Cigna Group is facing a growing number of lawsuits from members and a shareholder following a ProPublica report that alleges the company denies large batches of members' claims without individual review, thereby denying them coverage for certain services.
5. UnitedHealthcare is discontinuing some Medicare Advantage plans and exiting some service areas for 2024. Affected plans include some plans co-branded with AARP; UnitedHealthcare MedicareDirect, a fee-for-service-based program; some dual-eligible plans; and other MA options. Service area changes vary by plan, state and county.