Weekly Edition: May 30-June 2, 2017
Senators’ Dueling Web Shoutouts Echo Nation’s Partisan Divide On Obamacare
By Rachel Bluth
In the early stages of the Senate’s attempts to write a health care bill, a Republican and a Democrat each solicit constituents’ Obamacare experiences from opposite ends of the spectrum.
California’s New Single-Payer Proposal Embraces Some Costly Old Ways
By Chad Terhune
The legislation would revive the age-old practice of paying providers for every service they perform — a recipe for a busted budget, some experts say. Backers say the bill is a work in progress.
GOP Health Bill Pleases Most Republicans, But Not Many Other Americans
By Julie Rovner
While nearly half of Americans support Obamacare, fewer than a third are in favor of the Republican replacement legislation.
As Government-Funded Cancer Research Sags, Scientists Fear U.S. Is ‘Losing Its Edge’
By Liz Szabo
More of the research studies being presented at the world’s largest annual gathering of cancer scientists comes from abroad.
Two Medicare Advantage Insurers Settle Whistleblower Lawsuit For $32 Million
By Fred Schulte
Freedom Health and Optimum HealthCare agreed to settle a lawsuit alleging they overbilled Medicare.
Handshake-Free Zone: Keep Those Hands — And Germs — To Yourself In The Hospital
By Anna Gorman
Health care workers and families are trying new ways of greeting people in two neonatal intensive care units at UCLA, hoping to reduce infections and protect fragile babies.
Drug Rebates Reward Industry Players — And Often Hurt Patients
By Sarah Jane Tribble
A new JAMA study examines how drug rebates can direct money to middlemen and force Medicare patients to cough up more money.
Target Of Medicare Insider Trading Case Boasted He Was Unstoppable ‘Beast’
By Christina Jewett and Melissa Bailey
Prosecutors say hedge-fund traders made millions trading on information leaked from Medicare.
A New Zika Threat Hovers As Summer’s Mosquitoes Get Bzzzzy
By Shefali Luthra and Carmen Heredia Rodriguez
The Zika virus, which made its appearance in the U.S. last summer, is still not well understood, and federal and state officials are not sure what to expect this year.
Consumer Advocates Wary Of New Marketplace Rules For Brokers
By Michelle Andrews
Federal officials relaxed their rules this month about how brokers and insurers can work with individuals to apply for health law policies.
Putting In Place An A-Team Of Allies
By Judith Graham
Older adults who face an uncertain future reach out to trusted friends to guide them.
Caring For A Loved One? Care For Yourself, Too
By Emily Bazar
Tending to somebody you love who has a debilitating condition can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. Here are some tips and resources to help you stay strong.