This week we are reading about Aetna’s app launch for the Apple Watch, Centene’s commitment to the WellCare deal, and 65% of agents reporting increased Medicare Supplement sales.
Aetna launches app for Apple Watch | Healthcare Dive | May 8, 2019
Aetna’s app for the Apple Watch is now live, with about 250,000 and 300,000 downloads available during the initial rollout. Employers can choose to buy the app as a plan benefit or Aetna members can join directly by downloading the app and logging in with their Aetna ID at no additional cost.First announced in January of this year, the Aetna-Apple collaboration combines wearable and claims data to allow users to set activity goals and milestones while earning rewards for healthy behavior. For example, the app will tell customers who opt-in to refill prescriptions when they’re running out, get their annual wellness checkup, remind them to get vaccinated and inform them of lower-cost options for scheduled lab tests and imaging. Aetna, which was acquired by pharmacy behemoth CVS Health in November, is looking to integrate members’ health history into the app, called Attain. CVS had no role in the app’s development or its features, and plans to formally announce the availability of the app next week.
Read the full report on healthcaredive.com here.
Centene ‘comitted’ to WellCare deal amid Humana takeover report | Healthcare Dive | May 7, 2019
Centene told Healthcare Dive it is “committed” to its $17.3 billion WellCare buy following a report by Street Insider that Humana is interested in a takeover of Centene and a Reuters story quoting unnamed sources saying hedge funds might seek to oppose the Centene-Wellcare deal. Shares of the St. Louis-based managed care firm were up more than 6% on the reports on Monday. A Humana spokesperson could not be reached for comment. Some analysts remain skeptical of the Humana-Centene combination reports. SVB Leerink analysts said they “doubt it ever happens” and suggested Humana may instead purchase Molina or a smaller Medicaid plan.
Read the full article on healthcaredive.com here.
64% of Agents Report Increased Medicare Supplement Sales | insurancenewsnet.com | April 24, 2019
Nearly two-thirds of insurance agents reported increased sales of Medicare supplement insurance in 2018 and a higher percentage expect continued growth in 2019, according to a survey conducted by the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance. “The vast majority of agents (64.1%) experienced increased Medigap sales in 2018 compared to the prior year,” reports Jesse Slome, director of the association.