Uncertainty over future surges of COVID-19 and the end of regulatory flexibilities are going to be major drivers for 2022 premiums on the individual and small group markets, a new actuary report finds. The report, released Thursday (PDF) by the American Academy of Actuaries, finds insurers face major uncertainties like the end of the public health emergency ...

Medicare’s insurance trust fund that pays hospitals is expected to run out of money in 2026, the same projection as last year, according to a new report from Medicare’s board of trustees. The report, released Tuesday, found Medicare spent $925.8 billion in 2020 and served 62.6 million people. It found that the COVID-19 pandemic had a ...

The U.S. will likely start to widely distribute Pfizer Covid-19 booster shots during the week of Sept. 20, but the rollout for Moderna’s vaccine could be delayed, White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said Sunday. The Biden administration has announced plans to offer third doses to people who received the Pfizer and Moderna shots, pending approval ...

Centene is consolidating all of its Medicare Advantage (MA) brands under the Wellcare name, the government insurance giant announced Thursday. Centene closed its acquisition of Wellcare Health Plans in January 2020, which led to a slew of disparate MA brands across 33 states, the company said. The $17 billion deal created one of country’s largest sponsors of government insurance. ...

Americans will most likely pay significantly more for COVID medical care during this new wave of cases — whether that is a routine coronavirus test or a lengthy hospitalization.

The state Board of Health today approved adding COVID-19 to the list of required vaccinations for students at all public universities and colleges. The vote does not affect the fall semester, which starts as soon as Monday, but students do need to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1 in order to register for spring 2022 classes.