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In its first detailed disclosure on executive pay, nonprofit Blue Shield of California said Chief Executive Paul Markovich made $3.5 million last year – a 40 percent increase since he took the top job in 2013. The San Francisco-based health insurer has faced criticism for years from consumer advocates about its lack of transparency on executive compensation, and the issue attracted even more scrutiny after a state audit raised questions about the insurer’s big pay increases and large financial reserves. Following that audit, in 2014, California revoked Blue Shield’s state tax exemption, which it had held since its founding in 1939. (Terhune, 5/26)

Texas Health Resources continued its string of recent moves aimed at streamlining patient experiences and bulking up its presence in the region Thursday, when the Arlington-based health care provider announced a partnership with insurance giant Aetna. The two giants are joining to form a new, for-profit company that will offer health insurance plans to employers and customers in 14 North Texas counties starting in coming months, providing access to Texas Health’s network of doctors and hospitals. (Cowan, 5/26)