Cigna buys Humana Medicare Advantage plans; Rhode Island Blues eliminates 43 jobs;

> Kansas chose UnitedHealth, Centene and Amerigroup to manage the state's Medicaid program. The state estimates the insurers will save the state more than $1 billion during five years, reported the Kansas City Business Journal. Article

> Cigna is buying Humana-owned Medicare Advantage plans in Texas and Arkansas, the Hartford Courant reported. The deal, which involves about 3,500 customers, is expected to close at the end of the year and become effective in January. Article

> Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island has eliminated 43 jobs, 60 percent of which were management positions. The insurer said the cuts will help it operate as efficiently as possible and moderate healthcare costs in Rhode Island, according to Providence Business News. Article

> And Finally… Want some alcohol with your Coke? Article