New York fines four insurers $2.2M; HHS okays Blue Cross to administer multistate plans;

News From Around the Web:

> Four insurers--American Progressive, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, First United American and Transamerica Financial Life--must repay $2.2 million to almost 3,500 seniors in New York for overcharging them on insurance policies, reported the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Article

> The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services approved the only proposal it received by an insurer to provide multistate plans. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association will create and administer the plans, which will be available on federal exchanges next year, the Insurance & Financial Advisor reported. Article

> Cigna is partnering with health social engagement company SocialWellth to create a marketplace for certified health apps. The "Go You Cigna Marketplace" will provide consumers with easy access to apps that are certified as being effective and engaging, according to the HIT Consultant. Article

Health Provider News:

> Some physicians are paid roughly double what other doctors are paid for the same services, but there's no real reason to explain the variations, according to a new study published in Health Affairs. Article

> Mississippi is considered the best state for doctors to practice, according to the latest survey on the topic from Physicians Practice. Article

Health IT News:

> The government shutdown has caused the National Institutes of Health to close cancer trials. Article

> Consumers and small businesses will be among the winners of the Affordable Care Act, health technology investors said hours before the health insurance exchanges opened nationwide. Article

And Finally... This animal doesn't make a good boat. Article