Blue Cross-Highmark merger moving forward; Why Cigna won HealthSpring deal;
> A judge has recommended that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware's proposed merger with Highmark be approved by Dec. 31, as long as the insurer meets certain conditions, including allowing regulators oversight of payments flowing from Blue Cross to Highmark, establishing a $10 million premium relief program for Blue Cross customers, imposing a $42 million cap on Blue Cross integration costs, and allowing the Blue Cross board to disaffiliate from Highmark under certain circumstances, reports The News Journal. Article
> UnitedHealth Group is making some leadership changes at its pharmacy benefits unit to prepare for the end of its contract with Medco Health Solutions, according to Reuters. Dirk McMahon, who led operations for the benefit plan, will become the CEO of OptumRx. McMahon replaces Jacqueline Kosecoff, who will become senior advisor to OptumHealth CEO Larry Renfro. Article
> Cigna was able to acquire Medicare Advantage provider HealthSpring because its offer likely will face fewer regulatory hurdles than rival offers that were $1 per share higher, reports The Tennesean. HealthSpring chose Cigna because it believed the deal would close in a more timely manner thanks to fewer antitrust concerns. Article
And Finally... If you're a redhead, you probably don't like the dentist. Article
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