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2006 General News

A flap over recouping costs of Medicaid. States try harder to recover their losses from providing healthcare to the poor – even seizing homes.

  • By: Christian Science Monitor
  • 12/26/2006
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Shift in Congress Puts Health Care Back on the Table

Insurance Doesn't Cure Health-Care Disparities

Bush Signs 3 Health Care-Related Bills

  • By: AP / San Francisco Chronicle
  • 12/20/2006
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Health care debate to heat up in 2007

Mass. health plan drawing interest as model for US. Universal care issue reemerges.

U.S. Is Proposing to Cut Medicaid’s Drug Payments

Last-Minute Inserts Offer Benefits in Medicare Bill

Congress targets children's health insurance. Looks to boost enrollment.

Americans Back Price Negotiations On Medicare Drugs

Immigrants' health assessed in Rand study

Renewed Worries on Medicare Drug Plans

Dems set to take on pension, health industries. Miller, Stark focus on 401(k) providers, Medicare Advantage.

  • By: San Francisco Chronicle
  • 12/01/2006
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Medicare Part D major disaster for chronically ill

Medicaid Plan Prods Patients Toward Health

Democrats eye changes to state Medicaid policies

Medicare drug plan to cost less than projected. Competition, lower enrollment, price cuts keep tab below budget.

  • By: AP / Houston Chronicle
  • 11/29/2006
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Medicaid spending sees first decline. Billions of dollars freed up in states.

Success of Drug Plan Challenges Democrats. Medicare Benefit's Cost Beat Estimates.

Medicare as drug discounter? It's tricky issue. Dems' push faces plenty of obstacles.

  • By: Gannett / Detroit Free Press
  • 11/19/2006
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GAO Study of Abstinence Education Programs

  • By: National Health Law Program
  • 11/17/2006
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State slow to require citizenship papers for Medicaid benefits. A federal law requires states to now verify applicants' citizenship. But California and others are taking it slow.

Democrats Reject Changes to Medicaid

  • By: AP / Houston Chronicle
  • 11/17/2006
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Illegal immigrants' healthcare bill is tallied. The cost to taxpayers was $1.1 billion in 2000, a Rand study finds. Critics say the figure is too low.

Time Again to Choose or Switch Drug Plans

Insurers' Plan Aims to Cover Uninsured

  • By: AP/Houston Chronicle
  • 11/14/2006
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Insurers propose to close gap. With Democrats' rise, the industry crafts a plan for 47 million who lack health coverage.

Administration Opposes Democrats’ Plan for Negotiating Medicare Drug Prices

A Crackdown on Newborns

  • By: Editorial, New York Times
  • 11/13/2006
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Billing errors dog Medicare drug benefit since its start - 50,000 still trying to get payments sorted out

As Drug Prices Climb, Democrats Find Fault With Medicare Plan

Jury finds HMO bias in signing patients

$144M penalty in HMO pregnancy suit

Hospitals Try Free Basic Care for Uninsured

Studies Look for Reasons Behind Racial Disparities in Health Care

Breast cancer deadlier for blacks. Why? Report blames racism, says mammograms, care may be inferior.

Ex-FDA chief to plead guilty in conflict case

  • By: AP/Seattle Post-Intelligencer
  • 10/17/2006
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Race Gap Persists in Health Screening

Universal Care Appeals to USA

Funds Outpace Medicaid Costs

  • By: AP/Los Angeles Times
  • 10/11/2006
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How the Democrats Would Rule the Hill

Health gap blamed in 'excess deaths' of blacks

  • By: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  • 10/10/2006
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His Last, Best Cause. Activist Who Neglected His Health Warned Other Black Men in Final Days.

Frist unveils $500M minority health bill

  • By: AP/Knoxville News-Sentinel
  • 10/03/2006
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In Move to Cut Hospitals, U.S. Will Pay New York $1.5 Billion

State Fines New York Clinic $16.5 Million in Medicaid Inquiry

Study finds disparities in health between Asian Pacific Islander Americans and other Californians

  • By: California Chronicle
  • 09/29/2006
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Most uninsured children's parents work

  • By: AP/Seattle Post-Intelligencer
  • 09/28/2006
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Crowded ERs Raise Concerns On Readiness

Health Care Costs Rise Twice as Much as Inflation

Panel recommends health care guarantee

  • By: AP/Seattle Post-Intelligencer
  • 09/26/2006
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Governor signs bills to assist foster youth, vetoes universal care

  • By: San Francisco Chronicle
  • 09/25/2006
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Health Coverage Lagging for Hispanics

  • By: Bradenton (FL) Herald
  • 09/22/2006
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Judge dismisses Medicaid law challenge

  • By: AP / Seattle Post-Intelligencer
  • 09/20/2006
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500,000 Foster Children’s Medicaid Coverage Likely To Be Secured. Millions of Americans’ Coverage Still Threatened.

  • By: National Health Law Program
  • 09/20/2006
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No rush to claim cash for ER bills. Hospitals cite ethics, red tape as obstacles.

For Insurance, Adult Children Ride Piggyback

CDC says black-white vaccine gap is gone

  • By: AP/Seattle Post-Intelligencer
  • 09/15/2006
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Report calls for outreach to uninsured Hispanics

Study Says Individual Insurance Too Costly. Eighty-nine percent of health-coverage shoppers can't afford policies or are rejected.

Millions of Medicaid Recipients Await Ruling in Class Action Suit

  • By: National Health Law Program
  • 09/14/2006
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Hospital Charity Care Is Probed. Investigators Find Nonprofits Overcharge or Deny Services.

How long you live depends on which USA you live in

McClellan successor faces tough issues on Medicare

One Up, One Out: More Bush Lineup Changes. Highway chief Mary Peters is nominated as Transportation secretary. Medicare's Mark McClellan says he is leaving his post.

Medicare Chief McClellan Resigns

  • By: AP/San Francisco Chronicle
  • 09/05/2006
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Going For Broke. Elizabeth Warren discusses how ordinary families wind up bankrupt and why new legislation could be hurting those at risk.

Oregon Medicaid applicants face stricter ID rule

  • By: Portland Oregonian
  • 08/31/2006
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More in U.S. lack health insurance. Employers, workers feel financial pinch, U.S. census reports.

  • By: San Francisco Chronicle
  • 08/30/2006
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Assembly approves universal health care. Passage of bill seen as election-year test for Schwarzenegger.

  • By: San Francisco Chronicle
  • 08/29/2006
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New England Journal of Medicine examines West Virginia's new Medicaid program

FDA Approves OTC Sales of Plan B

Brand-new health care system urged [in New Orleans]. Health and Human Services chief pushes top-to-bottom overhaul.

  • By: New Orleans Times-Picayune
  • 08/24/2006
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Judge Dismisses Consumer Group's Challenge to Law Changing Medicaid Rules

Bush supports limits on morning-after pill

Making Health Care the Engine That Drives the Economy

Barr refiles morning-after pill bid with FDA

Doctors Taking Less Medicaid Patients

People in poverty more likely to have disabilities, study says

  • By: Bloomberg/Dallas Morning News
  • 08/17/2006
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A 'hole' lot of frustration. Gap in Medicare prescription drug plan leaves some seniors with a $2,850 surprise.

  • By: San Francisco Chronicle
  • 08/15/2006
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Planned Medicaid Cuts Cause Rift With States

President Remains Eager to Cut Entitlement Spending

Report: States reducing number of uninsured kids

  • By: AP/Philadelphia Inquirer
  • 08/09/2006
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Katrina Survivors Still Struggle to Get Help

Thompson's Medicaid Reforms Could Benefit His Employers

Governors Wrestle With Medicaid Changes

  • By: AP/San Francisco Chronicle
  • 08/07/2006
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Administration Aims to Set Health-Care Standards

Sutter Health settles lawsuit. Uninsured Patients Say They Were Gouged

  • By: San Jose Mercury News
  • 08/04/2006
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Thompson Tackles Medicaid

Diabetic blacks, Hispanics face more hospitalizations

Senators Prod FDA Nominee On Politicization of Agency

Kerry proposal calls for insurance for all by 2012

FDA gives morning-after pill 2d chance

  • By: Philadelphia Inquirer
  • 08/01/2006
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Doughnut hole near in Medicare drug plan

Precarious state of retiree health-care benefits

  • By: AP/Philadelphia Inquirer
  • 07/30/2006
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Satisfaction High for Medicare Drug Plans

  • By: AP / San Francisco Chronicle
  • 07/28/2006
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Stark offers universal health insurance plan. Employers, states and individuals would share costs.

  • By: San Francisco Chronicle
  • 07/26/2006
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Cancer care can sap a lifetime of savings

Interstate Abortion Bill Clears Senate. Minors Would Need Parents' Permission.

Feingold would give states sway over health care. Proposed legislation would fund experiments in universal coverage.

  • By: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
  • 07/25/2006
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Not Just Black And White. New Efforts Look More Deeply Into Racial Comparisons of Health Care.

With Insurance Policy Comes Membership. Unbeknown to Some, Those Signing Up With Firm Are Joining Conservative Group.

Medicare Drug Bills Cause Big Headache. Amid so much bureaucracy, requesting a refund can be a prescription for chaos.

  • By: San Francisco Chronicle
  • 07/21/2006
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Bush vetoes stem-cell research bill

Language barriers plague hospitals

Group may evaluate hospitals on service to non-English speakers

  • By: AP / Kansas City Star
  • 07/19/2006
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ER waiting rooms defy stereotypes

Texas Hospitals Reflect Debate on Immigration

A Windfall From Shifts to Medicare

A Medical Crisis of Conscience. Faith Drives Some To Refuse Patients Medication or Care.

For Some, There Is No Choice

Medicare gap hits seniors in the wallet

  • By: Newark Star-Ledger
  • 07/13/2006
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Study: Drug costs are high for uninsured in Hub. Advocates urge states to wield negotiating power.

Insurers' drug plan info faulty. Government says private firms of little help to Medicare callers.

  • By: AP/Arizona Daily Star
  • 07/11/2006
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Doubts Linger About Illinois' Health Plan for Youths

Medicaid law softened after groups sue--lawyers

Citizenship Rules Eased For Medicaid

White House to Ease Medicaid Rule on Proof of Citizenship

Medicaid's New Proof-of-Citizenship Requirements Gain Some Flexibility. Federal officials announce exemptions for elderly and disabled recipients of benefits.

Health care links Smith, Wyden. Legislation - Oregon's U.S. senators plan to introduce a "modest" bill to start the ball rolling on reform.

  • By: Portland Oregonian
  • 07/07/2006
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Medicaid ID law may hurt poor, officials say

  • By: Philadelphia Inquirer
  • 07/01/2006
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Medicaid Rule Called A Threat To Millions. Proof of Citizenship Needed for Benefits.

Medicaid mandate nears start. To crack down on illegal use of benefits, those eligible for plan must show proof of citizenship.

9 file lawsuit over new Medicaid law. Proof of citizenship required for benefits.

  • By: New Orleans Times-Picayune
  • 06/29/2006
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New Medicaid law is called a threat. Illegal immigrant fraud was target.

Groups challenge Medicaid citizenship law

  • By: Reuters / San Diego Union-Tribune
  • 06/28/2006
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Democrats to unveil drug benefit changes

  • By: AP / Seattle Post-Intelligencer
  • 06/27/2006
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Fewer teens have babies or dropout, but more live in poverty

States Make Own Plans for Health Insurance. Without federal guidance, legislatures try different fixes for a national problem.

Citizen Medicaid rule waits

  • By: AP / Cincinnati Enquirer
  • 06/23/2006
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More than 14 pct lack health insurance

Nonprofit health care often better: study

Skin-cancer risk told for blacks in study. Melanoma diagnosis often made too late.

I.R.S. Checking Compliance by Tax-Exempt Hospitals

Drug-plan shuffle disrupts coverage

Nation's emergency rooms swamped, study says

  • By: Philadelphia Inquirer
  • 06/15/2006
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Answers lacking as All Kids looms. But health plan launch on schedule, state says.

Feds push to enroll more in prescription-drug plans

States' Changes Reshape Medicaid. New Restrictions Aim to Save Money.

In Texas Town, New Drug Plan Baffles Patient and Provider Alike

Medicaid guidelines tightened. Proof of citizenship to be required in order to receive coverage.

  • By: Richmond Times-Dispatch
  • 06/10/2006
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Drug plans draw millions. Poor people were left out, critics say.

  • By: AP / Detroit Free Press
  • 06/09/2006
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TV Screen, Not Couch, Is Required for This Session

State to Delay Benefit Rule. U.S. law set to take effect July 1 requires proof of citizenship for Medi-Cal coverage. Officials fear hasty action could bar legitimate enrollees.

Obese boomers face immobile future

Citizenship Mandate for Medicaid is Condemned

  • By: San Diego Union-Tribune
  • 06/06/2006
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Medicaid recipients will need citizenship

  • By: AP / Indianapolis Star
  • 06/06/2006
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Spanish-speaking nurses sought

  • By: Richmond Times Dispatch
  • 06/05/2006
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ID law could hurt rightful Medicaid clients, states fear

  • By: Knight Ridder / Arizona Daily Star
  • 06/05/2006
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Medicaid Rules Toughened on Proof of Citizenship

A Spoonful of Foreign Culture Helps Western Medicine Go Down

Low Payments by U.S. Raise Medical Bills Billions a Year

Tougher for the poor, disabled

  • By: Op/Ed, Miami Herald
  • 06/01/2006
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GAO: High-Deductible Insurance on Rise

  • By: AP / Houston Chronicle
  • 05/31/2006
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Study: 73M have diabetes or are at risk in U.S.

Medicare drug benefit viewed as a work in progress

Retiree benefits grow into 'monster'

States begin overhaul of health insurance for the poor

  • By: AP / San Diego Union-Tribune
  • 05/24/2006
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Medicaid ID rules could snare more than illegals

  • By: Rocky Mountain News
  • 05/24/2006
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Young Adults Lacking Health Insurance

  • By: AP / San Francisco Chronicle
  • 05/24/2006
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Immigration Bill Expected To Pass Senate This Week. Hastert May Block Version That Divides House GOP.

It's Time for Some Big Ideas to Be Put Into Play

  • By: Column, Los Angeles Times
  • 05/22/2006
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House Passes $2.8 Trillion Budget Plan

  • By: AP/Houston Chronicle
  • 05/18/2006
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Momentum Grows to Halt Medicare Penalty

  • By: AP/San Francisco Chronicle
  • 05/14/2006
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Small Business Insurance Stalls in Senate

  • By: AP / Houston Chronicle
  • 05/12/2006
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Health Bill Blocked in Senate. Democrats' defeat of the small-business measure is the GOP's second such setback this week.

1 million more sign up for Medicare drug program

Bill may undercut Mass. health effort. Kennedy criticizes Republican-backed insurance measure.

In Florida, Bush touts drug program as 'good deal'

Those most in need may miss drug benefit sign-up

Senate Advances Health Care Coverage Bill

  • By: AP / Atlanta Journal-Consitution
  • 05/09/2006
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FDA faulted for not allowing OTC emergency contraception

Government Makes Final Medicare Plan Push

  • By: AP/San Francisco Chronicle
  • 05/08/2006
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Medicare in Poor Financial Health, Trustees Say

Caught in a tangle of fine print. As the deadline looms, consumers are finding hidden costs in the new Medicare drug plans.

The FDA Awaits a Cure for Its Malaise

11 House members to sue over budget bill

Medicare Officials Revise Drug Plan Amid Criticism

Jump in middle-income Americans who go without health insurance

  • By: San Francisco Chronicle
  • 04/26/2006
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Many seniors unaware of deadline for Medicare drug plan

Deadline Near, Jams Are Seen for Drug Plan

Blacks mistrust health care system: study

Medicare drug-plan enrollment exceeds goal

  • By: AP / Philadelphia Inquirer
  • 04/21/2006
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Costs for Medicare Drug Plan May Rise 7% in 2007

Senate Bill Threatens Comprehensive Care for All

  • By: National Health Law Program
  • 04/21/2006
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Calls to put off Medicare deadline intensify

Makers Get Limited Approval of Free-Drug Plans

Medicare drug enrollment has holes

State Not Ready for a Flu Crisis. A pandemic would quickly overwhelm the healthcare system, which lacks sufficient beds, medical staff and equipment, officials say.

Medicaid Hurdle for Immigrants May Hurt Others

New alliances over Medicare prescriptions. The NAACP, among others, is working with the administration to increase awareness.

  • By: AP/ Philadelphia Inquirer
  • 04/14/2006
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Mass. health plan seems unlikely to be US model

Bush pitches Medicare plan to seniors of all languages

Massachusetts Opens Healthcare Umbrella

Medicare drug plans go easy as transition ends

Governor likely to veto health fee

Lawyers, doctors team up for health: Boston Medical Center goes national with legal aid program

US rule demands proof of citizenship for healthcare. Law could hurt the state's poorest.

Drug Plan's Side Effect Is Severe

Expansive Health Plan Won't Fit All States. New legislation would insure nearly everyone in Massachusetts. But experts say the program would be tough to replicate elsewhere.

Budget Plan Falls Apart Amid GOP Feuding

[MA Health Care Plan] Bold Goal Confronts Fine Print

80% of Budget Effectively Off Limits to Cuts

In Massachusetts, Health Care for All?

Mass. residents face required coverage. ‘That is where they are really pioneers.'

Social Security and Medicare in an Impasse Over Trustees

Is coverage out of reach? Weigh all the options. Depending on your situation, various public and private programs can fill in the gaps.

Split Within House G.O.P. Adds to Budget Uncertainty

Growth in federal spending unchecked

Drug plan loses its safety net. Transition period for Medicare benefit expires today.

  • By: San Francisco Chronicle
  • 03/31/2006
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Medicare escapes cuts in House budget plan

  • By: AP / Philadelphia Inquirer
  • 03/30/2006
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Retirees on 2 Drug Plans Must Make Choice

Drug Plan Doesn't Speak Their Language. Seniors with limited English skills are having a hard time accessing Medicare's new prescription program.

Feds Say 1.9M More Sign for Drug Benefit

Proportion of Doctors Giving Charity Care Declines

Budget hides 'major cuts' in CDC funding. Core programs will be hurt, watchdog says.

  • By: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  • 03/22/2006
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Choices Shrink in Drug Plan, Study Says

Nonprofit Hospitals Face Scrutiny Over Practices

Senate Approves Budget, Breaking Spending Limits

Fearing Senior Backlash, Senate Supports Drug Plan Extension

Bush Names Eschenbach As FDA Commissioner

  • By: AP/San Francisco Chronicle
  • 03/16/2006
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Bush Admits Rocky Start to Drug Plan

Changes in drug benefit weighed

Federal aid programs expand at record rate

Governors on Divergent Paths to Control Health Costs

Medicare maxing out pharmacies

  • By: AP/Contra Costa Times
  • 03/14/2006
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Pharmacists Say Drug Plan Threatens Their Income

Uncertain Cure. Early Reaction to Health Savings Accounts Is Two-Sided.

In Stormy Political Climate, Frist Shifts Focus to Healthcare

Senate Panel OKs Scaled-Down Bush Budget

  • By: AP/Houston Chronicle
  • 03/10/2006
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Census Report Foresees No Crisis Over Aging Generation's Health

Documents raise questions about decision on morning-after pill

  • By: Knight Ridder/San Jose Mercury News
  • 03/10/2006
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Senate GOP Budget Plans Win Tepid Praise

  • By: AP/Houston Chronicle
  • 03/09/2006
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Senate Panel Drops Bush's Spending Cuts

  • By: AP / Houston Chronicle
  • 03/08/2006
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Drug plan's savings elusive. Democrats say new Medicare program can be expensive.

  • By: San Francisco Chronicle
  • 03/08/2006
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Arkansas Set to Undertake a Novel Effort in Health Care

New NHeLP Publication: Summary of State Law Requirements Addressing Language Needs in Health Care (Jan. '06)

  • By: National Health Law Program
  • 03/07/2006
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Supreme Court steps into Medicare Rx fight

  • By: AP/Seattle Post Intelligencer
  • 03/04/2006
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New Drug Program Is a Benefit for AARP. A Medicare prescription plan's popularity yields profits, and questions, for the lobbying group.

Recourse Grows Slim for Immigrants Who Fall Ill

Life in U.S. is bad for Latinos' health

  • By: AP/Salt Lake Tribune
  • 03/02/2006
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Many Wal-Mart workers use Medicaid

  • By: Philadelphia Inquirer
  • 03/02/2006
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In Medicare Maze, Some Get Tangled in Two Drug Plans

Unintended Pregnancy Linked to State Funding Cuts. First-of-Its-Kind Study Cites Impact On Teenage Girls and Poor Women.

Government to cover costs of Medicare drug glitches. More than 40 states paid for thousands of recipients to get their prescriptions.

  • By: Reuters/Houston Chronicle
  • 02/28/2006
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New Offensive on Medicare Drug Benefit

Health care plan's best bet. Coverage for all has a chance in Illinois.

Governors fear repayments for drug expenses will be late

  • By: AP/Arizona Daily Star
  • 02/26/2006
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Reshaping Bedside Manner in a Diverse World. Immigrant Patients Challenge Medical Field to Adapt to Cultural Differences.

Drug plan sales tactics probed. Seniors allegedly steered into HMOs.

U.S. to Pay Big Employers Billions Not to End Their Retiree Health Plans

Medicare numbers at odds with US claims. Fewer volunteers for new drug plan.

Simplified Medicare Drug Plan Is Expected. The Health and Human Services chief predicts insurers will drop out, making choices easier.

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