> Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona and Banner Health, the Phoenix-based nonprofit health system, are forming a joint venture, aimed at wellness management and affordability for Medicare beneficiaries, the former announced Wednesday. Announcement
> Highmark is recruiting a new executive management team for West Penn Allegheny Health System, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. Highmark already has spent about $740 million of the $1 billion earmarked for developing its provider network. Article
> A federal appeals court ruled that a county charging employees to take a health risk assessment blood test or pay a penalty doesn't violate the Americans with Disabilities Act, Business Insurance reported. Broward County, Fla., offered an employee wellness program through Coventry Health Care. Article
> California legislature killed the Basic Health Plan (SB 703), aimed at offering health insurance for low-income residents who go through public hospitals and public health plans for care, California Healthline reported. Article
And Finally… Better nine months late than never. Article