Over the past few months, we’ve seen Aetna enter into an agreement to purchase Humana, a merger which just recently received overwhelming approval by both companies’ shareholders. And we’ve seen Anthem move forward in its plan to merge with Cigna, a $54.2 billion purchase. While both deals are under review by the U.S. Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, hospitals nationwide are voicing their concerns regarding these companies’ intentions and making plans to take matters into their own hands.
What are hospitals doing in light of proposed insurer market consolidation?
Hospitals are concerned that the consolidated insurer market will enable these larger companies to increase insurance premiums and limit plan choices. To help ensure their nearby residents receive the care they need at affordable costs, many hospitals are contemplating the launch of their own insurance plans.
While there will be considerable work for hospitals to offer insurance to their communities, it’s been accomplished by several organizations already. This means healthcare IT professionals should begin the process of evaluating payer IT solutions as soon as it’s feasible to help guarantee the hospital’s ability to manage its network efficiently from day one. Luckily, there are health IT consultants who can help hospital IT staff choose the best payer IT solution, implement it, and master its use, or even oversee it on an ongoing basis.
HealthTECH Resources has a staff of health IT professionals who have expert knowledge in all payer IT solutions. We welcome the opportunity to assist your hospital in its efforts to ultimately provide the best possible care for its patients. Contact us today.