Jan 25 Some cost-conscious employers exclude outpatient surgeries in health plans By Jay Hancock, Kaiser Health News Libbi Stovall couldn’t believe it last month when she looked at the fine print in her company’s 2016 health plan. The insurance paid for inpatient hospital care, office visits and diagnostic imaging. But it provided no coverage for outpatient surgery,… Continue reading
Jan 21 Democratic strategists, donors worry Clinton's message is failing By Lisa Lerer and Ken Thomas, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Hillary Clinton has questioned Bernie Sanders' electability. She's criticized his plans for health care, foreign policy and Wall Street. And she's tagged him with flip-flopping on gun control. Continue reading
Jan 21 Bernie Sanders' health plan is Medicare on growth hormones By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders calls his plan for a government-run health care system "Medicare for all." But it's not. With full coverage for long-term care, most dental work included, no deductibles and zero copays, the Sanders plan… Continue reading
Jan 20 5 things you should know about Medicare's new end-of-life discussions By Philip Moeller End-of-life discussions with your physician or other licensed caregiver are now being paid for by Medicare. Continue reading
Jan 19 Supreme Court turns away new challenge to Obamacare By Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has rejected another challenge to President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. Continue reading
Jan 13 What did Obama just say? Experts read between the lines By Jenny Marder, Daniel Bush President Barack Obama spent his final State of the Union speech last night defending his record in office on everything from climate change and healthcare to national security and education. But his legacy is complicated, and understanding it requires some… Continue reading
Jan 11 Medicare expands major experiment to coordinate medical care By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press Medicare is expanding a major experiment that strives to keep seniors healthier by coordinating basic medical care to prevent common problems that often lead to hospitalization. Continue reading
Jan 08 Obama vetoes bill to repeal signature health care law By Darlene Superville, Associated Press WASHINGTON — Protecting his signature domestic achievement, President Barack Obama on Friday vetoed legislation to repeal his health care law, saying the measure “would reverse the significant progress we have made in improving health care in America.”… Continue reading
Jan 06 House vote to send health law repeal to Obama for first time By Erica Werner, Associated Press WASHINGTON — After dozens of failed attempts to undo President Barack Obama's health care law, the GOP-led Congress will finally put a bill on the president's desk Wednesday striking at the heart of his signature legislative achievement. Continue reading
Jan 04 Big changes coming to Medicare in 2016 By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press Whether it's coverage for end-of-life counseling or an experimental payment scheme for common surgeries, Medicare in 2016 is undergoing some of the biggest changes in its 50 years. Continue reading