insurance

Cigna Announcing They Won’t be Covering OxyContin Beginning in 2018

OxyContin is the branded version of the painkiller, Oxycodone

  NATIONAL — One of the largest health insurers in the country is announcing they will no longer cover OxyContin beginning in 2018. Cigna officials say they are working to curb opioid abuse and with overdose rates continuing to climb, they want to help in the fight. OxyContin is the branded version of the painkiller, Oxycodone. Cigna officials say they…

Democrats Discuss the Consequences of the Graham Cassidy Health Care Bill

They said it was being pushed through the Senate without proper hearings and input from people directly impacted

FARGO, ND — The latest Republican effort to get rid of Obamacare has failed. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says lawmakers will instead turn their attention to tax reform. Before the news broke, different organizations voiced their concerns with the bill in Fargo. They said it was being pushed through the Senate without proper hearings and input from people directly…

New GOP Health Care Proposal Could Mean $1 Billion Loss in North Dakota Federal Funding

The bill would shift health care money and power from Washington to states

  NORTH DAKOTA — North Dakota could lose $1 billion in federal funding for health insurance over seven years. That is the finding of a report on the new Republican bill in Congress to replace Obamacare. The bill would shift health care money and power from Washington to states. President Trump and Republican Senate leaders are trying to rally 50…

MNsure Extends Open Enrollment Period

Signups for shoppers to buy coverage for 2018 on their own begins November 1

  MINNESOTA — Minnesota’s health insurance exchange is extending this year’s open enrollment period. Signups for shoppers to buy coverage for 2018 on their own begins November 1. President Trump’s administration shortened the open enrollment period to last just six weeks and end December 15. But MNsure has announced that it has secured an extension to allow signups to continue…

Health Insurance for Some Minnesotans on the Rise

  ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesotans who buy health insurance on their own may see slight premium hikes or even some price drops next year. State regulators announced preliminary rates for next year that range from a 15 percent decrease to an 11 percent bump compared to premiums in 2017. Those rates vary widely by insurer and may change by…

Senator Heitkamp Speaks Out on Health Care Vote

Heitkamp posted videos online of North Dakotans against the Republican health care bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Minnesota Senators Al Fraken and Amy Klobuchar and North Dakota’s Democratic U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp voted against the procedural motion. Republican Senator John Hoeven voted for it saying “we will continue working to put in place a suitable replacement”. Heitkamp posted videos online of North Dakotans against the Republican health care bill, including a West Fargo woman…

Blue Cross-Blue Shield Minnesota Drops Children’s Minnesota Hospital System

Parents of these and other delicate patients cringe at the thought of finding new doctors, now that the contract between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has expired. KMSP Fox 9's Leah Beno Reports from Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The dispute between Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Minnesota and Children’s Minnesota hospital systems has quickly become a blame game. Caught in the middle are the patients and their families, wondering if they will have to sacrifice more out of pocket expense when it comes to taking care of their loved ones. Among the specialties provided inside Children’s…

Deal Negotiations Fail Between BCBS Minnesota and Children’s Minnesota

Company officials on both sides say they are committed to working on a solution

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A failed deadline between a Minnesota health insurance company and the state’s largest pediatric hospital system could mean higher rates for 66,000 patients. Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Minnesota and Children’s Minnesota could not reach a deal on making the hospital system an out-of-network provider for BCBS Minnesota patients. While this doesn’t stop patients from seeking care at…

AARP Brings Signed Petitions to Senator Hoeven’s Office

The group feels the bill would hit millions of Americans with higher costs and result in less coverage, and would strip health coverage

FARGO, ND — Some people in North Dakota are opposed to passing the Senate’s health care bill. Organizations in the F-M area are giving a voice to their concerns. The AARP is taking a stance and delivered signed petitions by North Dakotans in opposition to the bill. The group said the bill would hit millions of Americans with higher costs and…

People Line Up Outside Sen. Hoeven’s Office Protesting Senate Health Care Bill

Indivisible FM held a pop–up protest to encourage him to vote against the Senate health care bill

FARGO, ND — Concerned citizens gathered in front of Sen. Hoeven’s Fargo office to make their voices heard about the Republican health care bill. Voting on the bill has been delayed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. The Senate health care bill is causing concern for people in North Dakota and they are reaching out to their senators for answers….