Politics and Policy

Responding to terrorism sidetracked Congressional work on health care, but the issues aren't about to go away.

House panel examines soaring insurance rates, while analysts paint gloomypicture for M+C program

Vote helps M+C plans and pressures the Senate to act, while HomelandSecurity proposals raise concerns

Bioterrorism bill gives MCOs more time to file rates for next year, as payment "give back" deliberations continue

Runaway litigation is boosting healthcare costs and reducing patient access to care

Employees with disabilities have more than physical limitations to overcome. The legal system itself may be just as disabling.

Americans complain about access, while MCOs struggle with appeals, privacyand reimbursement

Medicaid is on the rocks already, and the Medicare+Choice program isn'tvery far behind

Administration health agenda includes drug benefits for low-income seniors and support for patients' rights

National health protection and the economy redefine the issues

Legislators postponed key decisions on Medicare rates, mental healthreform and assistance for the uninsured

National health protection and the economy redefine the issues

The September terrorist attacks and the subsequent anthrax scare haveprompted managed care organizations, healthcare providers and governmentagencies to expand emergency preparedness efforts and reevaluate policiesand programs. Stung by criticism of its confusing response to the bioterrorismthreat, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has created anew Office of Preparedness and brought in new infectious disease and vaccineexperts to rescue the situation.

News brief.

Although fewer seniors will be forced to switch to new coverage optionsnext year than did last January, MCOs still are dropping out of the Medicare+Choiceprogram at a disturbing rate. Aggressive efforts by Tom Scully, administratorof the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), encouraged somehealth plans to stick with the program for now, but dozens of MCOs abandonedor curtailed service areas when they filed cost proposals for contract year2002 in September. Consequently, 536,000 seniors will have to find new coverageby January, much less than the 934,000 affected by MCO departures last year.But many of those plans that remain are reducing optional benefits or raisingpremiums in order to continue coverage.

Federal government's budget situation.

An interview with Helen Darling, president, Washington Business Group on Health.

When Congress returned from its August recess after Labor Day, it lookedlike partisan politics combined with a national economic slowdown mightderail action on patients' rights legislation along with bills to reformthe Medicare+Choice program or establish a Medicare drug benefit. Democratsand Republicans were having trouble agreeing on spending programs, and interestgroups were squabbling over how to craft a fair pharmaceutical coverageprogram for seniors.

News brief.

After weeks of arm-twisting and back-room negotiating, House Republicanspushed through legislation last month to provide safeguards for patientsin managed care plans. President George Bush and Rep. Charles Norwood (R-Ga.)set the stage for the vote by reaching a last-minute compromise on the all-importantliability issue. The deal alienated Democrats, however, and might make itimpossible for the two parties to reach a final agreement on legislationthat President Bush will sign into law.

The issues are much the same, but many of the key players have changed. With the clock ticking, compromise may prove as elusive as ever.

Tired of waiting for Washington to act, governors and legislators are becoming reluctant reformers. A heady mix of proposals is seasoned by money problems and well stirred by neophyte legislators.

Where to start on a long list of problems?

How Jim Jeffords' party switch will effect health issues.

News brief.

Almost every politician in Washinton is in favor of patients' rights. The stumbling block is how to enforce them.

News brief.

News brief.

When it comes to health care, Americans act like adolescents.

News brief.