Aetna buys Coventry Health Care in a Medicaid land grab

Aug 20, 2012
The $5.7 billion deal with let Aetna double its number of Medicaid members.

Aetna to buy Coventry Health Care for over $5.5 billion

Aug 20, 2012
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.

How the Romney and Obama budgets stack up

Aug 17, 2012
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.

The world of health-care pricing

Jun 11, 2012
A committee of the American Medical Association plays an important role in Medicare's setting of prices for medical procedures.

Social Security money to run out sooner than thought

Apr 24, 2012
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.

Medicare meets the bidding war

Apr 19, 2012
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.

Kansas City grandma worries about Medicare

Mar 13, 2012
In this election year, commentator Emma Williams fears the health care program for seniors and the disabled will become a political football.

For public good, not for profit.

Medicare payments for doctors kept intact

Feb 20, 2012
Congress’ Medicare deal slashes funds for public health programs rather than planned cuts in reimbursements to doctors.

Bipartisan legislation on Medicare unveiled

Dec 16, 2011
Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Paul Ryan released a bipartisan Medicare reform plan. The timing, amid budget and payroll tax fights, could be intentional.

A compromise on Medicare

Dec 15, 2011
Republican Congressman Paul Ryan and Democratic Senator Ron Wyden have a plan.