News From Around the Web
> The latest update to MyHumana places the insurer among a small but growing number of payers offering Spanish-language versions of their smartphone apps, Healthcare Payer News reported. Humana joins Aetna, HealthPartners and Independence Blue Cross. Article
> Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) recently announced it has entered a two-year telemedicine pilot with American Well. The pilot will begin with two physician groups in the insurer's Alternative Quality Contract that emphasizes care coordination. Announcement
> The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rejected proposed changes to the risk adjustment payment plan in Massachusetts, according to the Boston Globe. The proposal would have lessened the burden on smaller insurers, who objected to making more than $100 million payments to their largest competitor, BCBSMA. Article
Healthcare Anti-Fraud News
> The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), still dealing with the fallout from the 21CT no-bid contract that led to a criminal investigation and altered the reputation of the agency, now faces another controversy: A video in which former HHSC supervisors urge investigators to find $1 billion in fraudulent Medicaid payments. Article
> The second-largest pharmacy operator in the nation has agreed to settle two federal fraud lawsuits that allege the company illegally pushed anti-seizure medication and potentially addictive Schedule II drugs to nursing home patients, according to the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting (KYCIR). Article
And finally … "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" in real life. Article