Payer Roundup—BCBS Minnesota gets new CEO; Molina sells subsidiary to DXC Technology

47 senators urge Trump to abandon effort to repeal ACA

Forty-seven senators have written to President Trump criticizing his administration's decision to support a federal law that seeks to repeal the Affordable Care Act. 

The senators warned that if the lawsuit, brought about by 20 Republican state leaders, succeeds, insurance companies will be able to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions by denying them coverage or charging higher premiums.

“Your Administration is not only supporting a lawsuit that is dangerous and destructive to the health care system, it is also turning its back on the 133 million Americans with pre-existing conditions, including 17 million children,” the senators wrote in a letter (PDF) to the president. “If these states and the DOJ prevail, health insurers will once again be able to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions, women, and seniors by denying them coverage or charging higher premiums simply because they have had a medical event ranging from acne to cancer to having a baby.”

All signees were Democrats or independents who caucused with the party. (Letter)

BCBS Minnesota names new president and CEO

Internal medicine physician and current Anthem executive Craig Samitt, M.D., is slated to become the new president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and its parent company, Stella, according to a press release. 

Samitt currently serves as an executive vice president and chief clinical officer at Anthem. He starts in the new role July 30. 

“I’m honored and grateful to have the opportunity to lead an organization with such a strong commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare to the Minnesota community,” Samitt said in a statement. “It will be a privilege to work alongside a talented team, collaborate with our provider partners, and continue the work of expanding our strategy and footprint to further our mission and set an example of all that healthcare can and should become in the future.” (Release)

Molina sells subsidiary to DXC Technology

Molina Healthcare says it is selling its Medicaid management information systems business, Molina Medicaid Solutions, to DXC Technology.

“The sale of Molina Medicaid Solutions will give us the flexibility to invest and refocus resources in our core health plan business,” Joe Zubretsky, president and CEO of Molina Healthcare, said in a statement. “We are confident that DXC will be an excellent partner for Medicaid agencies, providers, and employees moving forward, and that this transaction represents an opportunity for MMS to grow and unlock value in its business.”

The companies announced on June 27 that the $220 million deal is expected to close in the third quarter of this year. (Release)