> Blue Shield of California is giving $20 million in grants to 18 California hospitals, health systems, clinics, and physician groups seeking to participate more effectively in accountable care organizations (ACOs), reports InformationWeek Healthcare. The funds will support systems required for successful ACOs, including support for clinical information, data management, and information tracking systems. Article
> Cigna named Dr. Alan M. Muney as its new chief medical officer after Jeffrey Kang announced he's leaving the position to work for Walgreens. Muney joined Cigna last year as a senior vice president in charge of Cigna's entire health management group and its network contracting activities, the Hartford Courant reports. Article
> Two weeks after the state's insurance commissioner rejected its request for a 9.9 percent rate increase, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico was granted an administrative hearing in December, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican. Article
> Regence BlueShield is shutting down its subsidiary, Kinetix Living Corporation, after investing $19.3 million in the company that specializes in customized fitness and nutrition programs, the Lund Report notes. Article
And Finally... Use a GPS system? You may have "mazeaphobia." Article