Shares of the insurance giant Aetna are looking awfully healthy this morning. Acquiring another insurer is likely providing a bit of a shot in the arm. It's the latest in a stream of health insurance mergers we've been charting — many of them happening for the same reasons.

President Obama has launched a new campaign ad defending his record on Medicare. At the same time, of course, President Obama has attacked Romney's running mate Paul Ryan for his plans to cut Medicare.

A committee of the American Medical Association plays an important role in Medicare's setting of prices for medical procedures.

The Social Security Trust Fund will run out of money three years earlier than previously thought in 2033. As for Medicare, that's still on track to run out of cash in 2024.

After a yearlong experiment, Medicare will start shopping like the rest of the federal government. It will use a competitive bidding process for medical supplies.

In this election year, commentator Emma Williams fears the health care program for seniors and the disabled will become a political football.

Congress’ Medicare deal slashes funds for public health programs rather than planned cuts in reimbursements to doctors.

Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Paul Ryan released a bipartisan Medicare reform plan. The timing, amid budget and payroll tax fights, could be intentional.

This morning, a right-wing Republican and left-wing Democrat have announced a plan to reform Medicare that may — that may — put policy over politics.

Republican Congressman Paul Ryan and Democratic Senator Ron Wyden have a plan.