> Health insurance rates have risen an average of about 8.7 percent this year compared to last year's average increase of 4.6 percent, reported the Connecticut Post. Among the larger increases, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield raised rates by 12 percent for its individual and small business plans. Article
> A former executive at WellPoint has joined Walgreens as the senior vice president and chief strategy officer. Brad Fluegel previously worked for WellPoint as chief strategy and external affairs officer, responsible for strategic planning, as well as corporate marketing, communication and development, according to Drug Store News. Article
> New Jersey lawmakers are trying to stop HMOs administering state Medicaid plans from cutting reimbursements by 10 percent to home healthcare agencies, NJ Spotlight reported. Article
And Finally… Exercising with man's best friend. Article