Associate General Counsel

Faith Community Hospital and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas reach new in-network agreement. Faith Community Health System (FCHS) is pleased to announce that Faith Community Hospital has reached a new agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) to return the hospital to in-network status for BCBSTX members. Frank Beaman, CEO of FCHS, stated, "We are proud to welcome Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas patients back to Faith Community Hospital as in-network participants. Our mission has always been to serve our communities with accessible, high-quality healthcare close to home. This agreement allows more families to receive the care they need right here in their own community." While the Faith Community Rural Health Clinics in Jacksboro, Graham, Bowie, and Alvord have remained in-network, this new agreement marks a significant step forward for Faith Community Hospital in strengthening access to local healthcare for patients and families across Jack County and the surrounding region. David Spiller, General Counsel to FCHS, added, "This agreement represents a positive and collaborative step forward for both organizations and, most importantly, for the patients we serve. I want to thank Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas' leadership and contract team for their partnership and commitment to making this agreement a reality. Restoring in-network access at Faith Community Hospital enhances continuity of care, reduces financial uncertainty for patients, and reinforces the importance of strong partnerships in sustaining rural healthcare delivery." Effective within ninety days, patients covered by BCBSTX will now have in-network access to hospital-based services at Faith Community Hospital - improving affordability, continuity of care, and peace of mind for those seeking treatment close to home. "This agreement represents a financially responsible step forward for Faith Community Hospital while continuing to prioritize patient access to local care. It strengthens the hospital's long-term sustainability and allows us to keep investing in the services and infrastructure our communities depend on," said Jeff Casbeer, Chief Operating Officer for FCHS. This agreement reflects a shared commitment between FCHS and BCBSTX to ensure rural Texans maintain access to high-quality, community-based healthcare. FCHS provides comprehensive healthcare services to residents of Jack County and surrounding communities through Faith Community Hospital and its network of Rural Health Clinics located in Jacksboro, Graham, Bowie, and Alvord.

Health IT appointments & hires. Hires, promotions, & accolades. AArete Strengthens Healthcare, Operations and AI Consulting Leadership with Managing Director Promotions AArete, a global management and technology consulting firm, announced the promotions of Diane Body, Emily Dawes, Konrad Siczek and Priya Iragavarapu to managing director, as well as the strategic addition of Scott Zambo as vice president of legal and compliance. These leadership appointments position AArete for continued growth and excellence in client delivery on a global scale. David Delaney, MD, Named President of Drug Knowledge Provider FDB (First Databank) Hearst named David Delaney, MD, president of its Hearst Health portfolio company FDB (First Databank, Inc.), a provider of drug knowledge that helps healthcare professionals make precise medication decisions. The announcement was made by Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz and Hearst Health President Gregory Dorn, MD. Delaney brings more than two decades of experience, including serving as a critical care physician and leading large-scale healthcare technology, clinical content, and decision support businesses across payer and provider markets. DexCare Names Ravi Doddivaripalli as CTO to Scale AI-Powered Navigation Across Health Systems DexCare, Inc., announced that Ravi Doddivaripalli has joined the company as its chief technology officer. Doddivaripalli brings experience scaling SaaS platforms with expertise in AI, real-time data integration, and scalable architecture across healthcare and enterprise environments. Dexcom's Jake Leach Named Chair of AdvaMed's Diabetes Sector AdvaMed, the Medtech Association, announced that Jacob "Jake" Leach, President and Chief Executive Officer at Dexcom, will serve as the next chair of the AdvaMed Diabetes Sector, succeeding Chris Scoggins, Executive Vice President of Diabetes Care at Abbott. The AdvaMed Diabetes Sector represents the world's leading companies producing technology across the spectrum of diabetes care. Altera Digital Health Names Sean Sykes as Executive Vice President for Ventus Altera Digital Health, a global health IT leader, announced that Sean Sykes has joined the company as Executive Vice President for Ventus, Altera's suite of integrated revenue cycle and administrative solutions designed to optimize financial performance and operational efficiency. Sykes brings to the role more than 20 years of experience building and scaling high-performing sales and customer success teams at enterprise technology organizations. OFD Life Sciences Expands Leadership as Demand for Lyophilization Accelerates OFD Life Sciences, a division of Oregon Freeze Dry, announced that Danielle Grosso has joined the organization as the Senior Director of Project Management. She will lead the program delivery and enterprise-wide project management across OFD, supporting the company during a period of continued growth. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Announces New Chief Information and Technology Officer The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) announced that Mouli Venkatesan has been named as its chief information and technology officer. Appointments. ImpediMed Appoints Medical Technology Commercialization Expert Erik Anderson to Board of Directors ImpediMed, a comapny in the development and commercialization of medical technologies to clinically monitor and manage fluid and body composition, announced the appointment of Erik Anderson to its Board of Directors. Teladoc Health Appoints Michael Smith, Experienced Insurance and Financial Services Executive, to Its Board of Directors Teladoc Health, the global company in virtual care, announced the appointment of Michael Smith to its board of directors. With more than three decades of leadership experience in financial management and strategic transformation, Mr. Smith brings a deep understanding of long-term business sustainability within highly regulated, global markets. He joins the board following the previously announced retirements of Eric Evans and Thomas McKinley and will serve on the board's audit and nominating and corporate governance committees. Ibex Medical Analytics Accelerates Global Momentum in AI-Powered Pathology with Strategic Leadership Transition and Expansion in Biopharma Ibex Medical Analytics (Ibex), the global leader in clinical-grade AI-powered pathology, announced continued commercial momentum and expanding global adoption alongside a leadership transition designed to accelerate the company's next phase of growth. Effective immediately, Yair Heller, formerly Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, and co-founder Joseph Mossel will lead Ibex's rapidly expanding biopharma division and U.S. clinical growth initiatives. AMA Names Christy Loebach as Chief Financial Officer The American Medical Association (AMA) appointed Christy Loebach, MBA, as its next chief financial officer. Loebach will oversee all financial operations for the nation's largest physician organization where she will guide strategic planning, strengthen financial discipline, and partner with leadership to support the AMA's long-term growth. She will assume this role on March 2, 2026. Nabla Deepens Clinical Leadership with Appointment of Dr. Matt Sakumoto as Chief Clinical Product Officer Nabla, one of the most widely adopted AI assistants in clinical care, announced the appointment of Dr. Matt Sakumoto as Chief Clinical Product Officer. A leading clinical informaticist and practicing physician, Dr. Sakumoto joins Nabla at a pivotal moment in the company's growth, reinforcing its commitment to building AI technology grounded in real-world clinical experience.

Millions may get paid from $2.67 billion settlement; check if you're eligible. February 24, 202614:50 hs Reading 3 min A $2.67 billion Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement will begin payouts in May 2026, offering compensation to eligible claimants. The long-awaited $2.67 billion settlement with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) has reached its conclusion. After years of legal proceedings, the courts have resolved all appeals, paving the way for the distribution of funds. Eligible claimants can expect to receive their payments starting in May 2026. This marks a significant milestone in a case that has captured the attention of millions across the United States. For those wondering about their eligibility, the settlement stems from a class-action lawsuit alleging anticompetitive practices by BCBSA. The lawsuit claimed that the association's member companies agreed not to compete with each other, leading to higher costs for consumers. Although BCBSA denied any wrongdoing, they agreed to the settlement to avoid the expenses of prolonged litigation. Eligibility criteria: who qualifies? To qualify for a share of the settlement, individuals must have held a Blue Cross or Blue Shield health insurance policy during specific periods. There are two main categories of coverage: Fully Insured Plans, which include individuals and insured groups with coverage between February 7, 2008, and October 16, 2020, and Self-Funded Accounts, with coverage from September 1, 2015, to October 16, 2020. These dates are crucial for determining eligibility. It's important to note that the deadline for submitting claims has passed. Interested parties needed to file their claim forms by November 5, 2021, to be considered for payment. Those who missed this deadline will not receive any automatic payments, underscoring the importance of timely action in legal settlements. Understanding the distribution: how much will you receive? While the total settlement amount is $2.67 billion, the net fund available for distribution is approximately $1.9 billion after deducting legal fees and administrative costs. With around 6 million claims submitted, the average payout is estimated to be around $333 per claimant. However, the exact amount varies based on premiums paid and the type of plan held. Notably, no payments will be issued if the calculated amount is $5 or less. This distribution strategy aims to ensure that the funds are allocated fairly among eligible claimants, reflecting the premiums they paid and the impact of the alleged anticompetitive practices on their insurance costs. Next steps for beneficiaries: what to do now. As the settlement administrator begins sending out claim determination notifications, beneficiaries should remain vigilant. Notifications are being sent via email and postal mail, providing instructions on verifying claim status. It's crucial for recipients to follow these instructions carefully to ensure they receive their payments without delay. Payments will be made using the methods selected in the original claim form, such as Venmo, PayPal, prepaid cards, or checks. Beneficiaries should ensure their payment information is up to date to avoid any issues with receiving their funds. Background of the lawsuit: anticompetitive allegations. The origins of this settlement trace back to a lawsuit filed in 2013. Plaintiffs accused BCBSA of violating antitrust laws by agreeing not to compete in certain geographic markets. This alleged behavior was said to limit competition, resulting in higher costs for policyholders and insufficient payments to healthcare providers. Although BCBSA denied these allegations, they opted for a settlement to avoid the costs and uncertainties of a lengthy trial. Andrea Nabor specializes in personal finance, economics, business, Social Security, SNAP, credit, politics, IRS and business for the United States. With more than six years of experience in journalism and digital editorial management, he has built a strong career based on accuracy, practical experience and a deep understanding of the economic issues affecting Americans. Over the past year, he has focused his work on covering and analyzing economic issues, particularly federal programs, entitlements, and U.S. tax policies.Before her current position at Debate, she served as Editorial Coordinator for a digital magazine in Mexico, leading content strategy and brand development. In recent months, she has distinguished herself for her detailed coverage of Social Security, IRS, student loans, and SNAP procedures, as well as for identifying and reporting the best deals from major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Sam's Club. She has also analyzed key corporate changes affecting consumers. A graduate in Communication and Journalism from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Andrea Nabor combines academic excellence with hands-on field experience, establishing herself as a trusted voice in digital economic journalism. Professional profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-nabor-5445aa1a0/.