Humana Announces New Buyback Program
The Wall Street Journal: Humana Unveils $2 Billion Buyback ProgramThe new plan is slated to run through the end of 2016. About $782 million was remaining under the company's prior authorization after making $118 million in buybacks so far during the third quarter. The move comes after the board initiated a $1 billion buyback plan about five months ago, when it had $569 million left on its previous repurchase program. Humana is considered a key health insurer to watch, as its results are closely tied to Medicare Advantage plans. While membership has grown in the plans--the private-sector version of government insurance for elderly and disabled people--the government has scaled back funding for them, prompting margin concerns for Humana (Calia, 9/16). This is part of the KHN Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.
