Health Care Plans industry news provided by Financial News USA. Managed care company UnitedHealth Group Inc. affirmed its 2010 guidance Tuesday at its annual investor conference in New York but said it expects commercial health insurance enrollment to continue to fall next year.
The Minnetonka, Minn.-based insurer affirmed its 2009 profit guidance of $3.15 per share and said it still expects to post 2010 earnings of $2.90 to $3.10 per share on revenue between $88.5 billion and $89.5 billion.
On average, analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters are expecting 2009 earnings of $3.16 per share and 2010 profit of $3.08 per share on sales of $89.44 billion.
UnitedHealth expects its commercial enrollment, which consists mostly of employer-based and individual health plans, to fall by between 500,000 and 950,000 members next year. UnitedHealth and other insurers have been stung by enrollment losses as companies cut jobs in the tough economy. [Read the full article]
Laser Spine Institute (LSI), the leader in minimally invasive spinal surgery, is pleased to announce a partnership with United Healthcare and affiliates after an extensive six-month negotiation and clinical review process. Laser Spine Institute is the largest healthcare provider of minimally invasive spinal surgery to ever contract with United Healthcare. Effective immediately, patients with United Healthcare may be covered for qualified neck and back procedures at Laser Spine Institute.
As a top five player in every market, United Healthcare's broad reach serves more than 25 million Americans and is thus able to integrate and share health information to better coordinate patient care. The company's national coverage reach and deep experience in merging cutting-edge technology with clinical expertise now allows LSI to be more accessible for patients in an effort to meet the growing demand for minimally invasive spinal procedures. [Read the full article]
Andrew Kielty was named senior vice president and managing director of CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits, a leading provider of group healthcare benefits to expatriates around the world. Kielty joins CIGNA from BUPA, where he spent more than 25 years in a variety of leadership positions in both Europe and Asia-Pacific.
We are very fortunate to gain Andrew's expertise and in-depth knowledge in the international benefits arena. Our growth initiatives are aggressive, and I'm confident Andrew's international experience, strategic approach and leadership capability will strengthen our expatriate business and benefit our entire CIGNA International organization, said William L. Atwell, president of CIGNA International. [Read the full article]
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