Delaware’s attorney general publicly asked Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) and Pennsylvania-based Highmark to explain the effects of their affiliation agreement.

WellPoint, the nation’s largest health insurer by medical membership, plans to unilaterally implement key provisions of the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act introduced in Congress.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies’ anti-fraud investigations resulted in recoveries of more than $510 million in 2009, according to data released by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA).

On the heels of WellPoint and UnitedHealthcare announcing plans to close a coverage gap for young adults before federal health reform efforts kick in, Aetna and all Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies announced they would do the same.

Recognizing the historical aspect and increased coverage provided through the health reform bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, insurance companies and at least one agents’ group are not sharing the enthusiasm of Democrats.

On the heels of releasing the first of four reports on Pennsylvania’s four Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and possible anti-competitive practices, state regulators face a suit by Highmark for what it calls an “unlawful and unauthorized” examination.

The focus of some sharp criticism in recent days, the nation’s private insurance companies are now taking Washington, D.C., to task for painting them as the bad guys, solely responsible for rising healthcare costs.

Two of the major trade associations in the health insurance industry are piloting a new program in New Jersey aimed at reducing time and expense for physician offices and patients.

Expressing its disappointment in the latest piece of health care reform legislation in Washington, D.C., three national insurance trade groups are taking the Senate to task for its Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Empire BlueCross BlueShield has put into place a new management team, created to focus resources and expertise on specific market segments, according to its president and CEO, Mark Wagar.