News
Ramstad: With $1B vulnerable to social services fraud, Minnesota needs solutions, not noise
4+ hour, 12+ min ago (850+ words) The figure was $1.03 billion, included in 14 Medicaid-related programs over a four-year period in which spending would have been in the $30 billion to $40 billion range. It came on Feb. 6 in a report that Optum, the data services unit of Eden Prairie-based…...
What to know about the ‘secret’ deal between Fairview and U doctors
2+ mon, 4+ week ago (648+ words) University of Minnesota officials are upset that doctors who work for its health care enterprise are striking what several U regents called a "secret" new deal with Fairview Health Services. These doctors work in the hospitals and medical offices branded…...
UnitedHealthcare dispute could block 125K patients from M Health Fairview next year
3+ mon, 6+ day ago (892+ words) The contract impasse, over Fairview's demand for a 23% price hike for employer-sponsored insurance, comes after the parties resolved a dispute over Medicare Advantage patients. In the second public contract impasse in a month's time, Fairview Health Services says it might…...
UnitedHealthcare and Fairview strike a deal for Medicare Advantage patients
3+ mon, 1+ week ago (716+ words) Fairview and UnitedHealthcare have a reached a contract that will allow Medicare Advantage patients covered by the nation's largest health insurer to keep seeing their doctors at one of Minnesota's most prominent networks of hospitals and clinics. The one-year deal,…...
St. Paul home health provider shuts down, lays off 406
3+ mon, 1+ week ago (263+ words) A home health care company in St. Paul is shutting down and eliminating more than 400 jobs, citing business challenges and upcoming regulatory changes. Staff at Dependable Home Healthcare were notified Tuesday about the layoffs, which will occur in six phases…...
Minnesota’s UnitedHealth closes 16 clinics, lays off 572 in N.J.
3+ mon, 1+ week ago (603+ words) Eden Prairie's UnitedHealth Group is closing 16 clinics and laying off hundreds in its fast-growing Optum Health business, which has grown to become a major provider of medical care. The closures include five clinics and a lab in New Jersey, where…...
UnitedHealth expects Medicare Advantage enrollment to shrink by 1M
3+ mon, 2+ week ago (1133+ words) Eden Prairie-based health care giant raised its financial outlook as third quarter profit beats expectations. UnitedHealth Group expects its Medicare Advantage enrollment will shrink by 1 million people next year. The Eden Prairie-based health care giant is trimming its offerings across…...
Minnesota seniors seeking Medicare help are finding long call center waits
3+ mon, 2+ week ago (1123+ words) Turbulence with Medicare Advantage plan options is driving a surge in questions from seniors in the state. Minnesota's primary Medicare helpline is reporting unusually high call volumes this month as a surge in health insurance questions has pushed average wait…...
It’s open enrollment season, time to make Medicare or employer benefits changes
3+ mon, 2+ week ago (241+ words) These fall decisions are among the most important financial planning choices you'll make all year. October is recognized as National Financial Planning Month (at least according to certified financial planners). October is also traditionally the start of open enrollment season,…...
State Auditor Julie Blaha: Let’s clear things up on Minnesota fraud
3+ mon, 2+ week ago (520+ words) Public debate is starting to get confusing. How about a hockey metaphor? It's time to get our heads in the game about fraud. Elected officials and the media are right to sound the alarm " but the conversation is in danger…...