Aug 26 Health Insurance Rates Rise, Poverty Unchanged in 2007 By PBS NewsHour The number of people without health insurance in the United States fell last year for the first time since the beginning of the Bush administration, according to a report released by the Census Bureau Tuesday on poverty, income and health… Continue reading
Apr 25 Medicare’s trust fund to run out by 2019? Then what? Question/Comment: Typically the Paul Solman features on the NewsHour are always among the show's most trenchant and perceptive. That is why I have been hoping that you could do a feature explaining the present financial situation of the Medicare Program. Continue reading
Mar 21 Watch Extended Interview: U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael O. Leavitt spoke to Susan Dentzer about Electronic Health Records. Continue watching
Feb 01 Is it possible that Boomers are not spending as we used to do? Question/Comment: Is it possible that Boomers are not spending as we used to do? I know that my purchases of clothing, food, and what is known as durable goods, are not something that I purchase as much as I used… Continue reading
Jul 30 Watch Congress Eyes Expanding Children’s Health Insurance Lawmakers and President Bush have been at odds over funding for the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which is set to expire this year. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt and GOP Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty debate the matter. Continue watching
May 10 Hospitals Charge Uninsured Patients More, Study Finds By PBS NewsHour Some of the highest costs for hospital care are borne by those who can least afford it, according to a study published this week in the journal Health Affairs. Continue reading
Feb 05 Watch President Bush Sends Congress Budget Plan President Bush sent Congress a proposed $2.9 trillion spending blueprint, which includes $245 billion for military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. White House budget Director Ron Portman and Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad, D-N.D., debate the numbers. Continue watching
Jan 12 Watch House Passes Bill Forcing Medicare to Negotiate Drug Prices The House passed legislation Friday to force the government to negotiate lower drug prices for Medicare patients, but President Bush is expected to veto the measure. Two Medicare experts discuss the bill and the government's role in bringing down drug… Continue watching
Dec 05 Watch Medicare Participants Face Changing Drug Plans With rising up-front deductibles and widening coverage gaps, Medicare beneficiaries search for plans that will include their prescription drugs. A report looks at the changing Medicare benefits and what reforms newly elected Democrats may pursue. Continue watching
Nov 10 Watch Senators-elect Plan for Upcoming Congressional Session Ten new faces will join the Senate in January -- eight Democrats, one Republican and one independent. Democrat Ben Cardin of Maryland and Republican Bob Corker of Tennessee discuss what they intend to bring to Congress. Continue watching