A report says health spending slowed in 2008, while the health care industry overall grew at its slowest rate in 50 years. Gregory Warner explores what kept many hospitals running.
There are some big disagreements between House and Senate Democrats over reforming health care. One thing they do agree on is that the IRS would ensure Americans buy the required insurance. Brett Neely reports.
Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis is taking full control of the U.S. eye-care company Alcon in a deal worth nearly $40 billion. Stephen Beard explores how Novartis stands to benefit from the deal.
Scientists in Maryland are developing a vaccine to protect smokers against the addictive effects of nicotine. It's possible insurance companies could pay for treatments if the drug is approved. Brett Neely reports.
At this time of year a lot of people end up with a balance in their flexible spending account — that company benefit that lets you sock away money tax-free for health care. Marketplace's Amy Scott is one. She reports on the business of the FSA rush.
Marketplace's Nancy Marshall Genzer talks with Kai Ryssdal about how far the health care debate has come in 2009 and how much further Congress has to go to approve reforms.
Now that the Senate has approved its health care reform bill, the real work begins on compromise legislation with the House. Meanwhile, small-business owners are anxiously waiting to see how they'll be affected. Mitchell Hartman reports.
Many major provisions in the House and Senate health care reform bills wouldn't take effect for a long time after passage. But one part that would start right away could help unstick the economy — if it works. Gregory Warner reports.
Consumer protections and subsidies from the Senate and House health-overhaul bills won't kick in for several years. But consumers may want help right away. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports.
