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Examines the cost of health care in the United States. Efforts by insurance companies to reduce overhead costs with the help of technology; Government subsidies to managed care companies that offer health maintenance organizations and preferred-provider networks for elderly Medicare beneficiaries; Opportunity provided by savings accounts to slow the excessive use of some forms of care.

The article reports that zero-interest financing of consumer loans, a common sales incentive for U.S. retailers, is becoming popular in the field of loans related to medical care as well. Millions of patients have arranged financing through 100,000 physicians and dentists for expensive procedures that offer a year or more of interest-free monthly payments. The practice is expected to grow as more and more medical costs are shifted to consumers.

The article reports on the negative impact that can result within a small business when an employee covered by the firm's insurance plan develops a serious illness. The piece notes that health insurance rates for employers can rise significantly even after the individual has died or left the company in question. The article discusses measures that are being debated to assist small businesses in covering the health care costs of their employees.

The article discusses possible solutions to the high cost of medical care and health insurance. Many in corporate America and the federal government believe the solution should start with the uninsured children and work its way up to those who could pay for an affordable insurance. Employers who had been reluctant to have government involvement in medical coverage, are now considering an overhaul of the health care system as prices are out of control.

This article presents a look at primary medical care clinics at business enterprises and offices in the United States. According to the author, the number of offices and factories that have medical clinics is growing in an effort to decrease medical care costs of employees. Companies participating include Toyota, Sprint Nextel, and Florida Power and Light.

The article focuses on the availability of consumer-directed health plans to consumers in the United States who are searching for health care coverage. The plans offer lower monthly premiums than traditional coverage, but also feature a higher annual deductible. The advantages and disadvantages of using consumer-directed plans are examined.

The author looks at the increasing cost of living and the increasing cost of health care in the United States. Statistics related to a recent survey on the issue released by the Kaiser Family Foundation are reviewed. Comments regarding the issue from the foundation's president Drew Altman are included. According to the author, companies are still offering health coverage to attract and retain employees despite the increasing costs.

The author reports on two recently released studies showing that prices of the most widely use prescription drugs rose sharply in the first quarter of 2006. The surveys were conducted by two consumer advocacy groups, including the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Statistic related to the increase in drug prices are reviewed. Comments regarding the issue from John Rother of the AARP are included. united states.

The article focuses on health insurance companies questionable record of paying legitimate medical claims in a timely fashion. Tardiness and refusal to pay legitimate claims may add 15-20 percent to medical care, California Medical Association chief executive Jack Lewin says. Data gathered by Athenahelth of the United States' seven largest health insurers bill payment is discussed.

The article discusses the specifics of General Motors' (GM) proposed health care buyout. Unionized workers are being offered a buyout payment based on their number of years of service with GM. By accepting the buyout, workers will help the company restructure and possibly avoid a chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The largest portion of GM workers would receive up to $140,000 for giving up health coverage. Workers with fewer years of service would receive less money.

The efforts of General Motors (GM) to reduce its health care costs have created a rush of GM employees seeking elective surgery. GM is offering buyouts to its workers who agree to give up their health insurance plans and post-retirement insurance benefits. General Motors currently covers 1.1 million individuals and has recently begun charging workers a small part of the cost of health care and has increased co-pays for prescription drug coverage.

The article observes that thousands of government bodies have promised generous medical benefits to millions of schoolteachers, firefighters and other employees in the U.S. when they retire, yet experts say that none of these governments have kept track of the mounting cost. Off the government balance sheets, those obligations have been soaring as health care costs spiral and the baby-boom generation approaches retirement. The Governmental Accounting Standards Board has issued a new accounting rule. Governments are beginning to do the necessary research to determine current costs and future obligations of their promises to help pay for retirees' health care.

Focuses on General Motors (GM) retirees, in light of GM's tentative agreement with the United Auto Workers to cut retiree health care expenses. Comments of former GM electrician Sam Loggans and other retirees; Views of health policy experts, who contend that GM still appears to be years behind big companies in other industries in addressing runaway health care costs; Attitudes of GM retirees, including grudging acceptance; How retired workers from many other unionized industries are paying a growing share of health costs.

Reports that millions of consumers are now not only researching their medical symptoms online but comparison-shopping online for hospitals and doctors. Focus on the case of Kirk Emerich, who researched comparative medical data online after suffering a knee injury; Suggestion that more consumers are turning to online research due to the increase in medical costs, higher insurance premiums and heftier co-payments; Comments regarding the issue from Sharon Baldwin, spokesman for General Motors Corp., the nation's largest private purchaser of health care.

Observes that fewer old-line American companies are able to shoulder 100 percent of workers' health insurance premiums. Comments of Helen Darling, president of the National Business Group on Health; How most employees are paying more each year as health costs soar; Average share of the premium paid by employees in large and medium-size companies; Exceptions to the trend.

Focuses on the continued growth of the health care business of General Electric Co. in the U.S. Provision of management skills, financing as well as hardware in hospitals; Emphasis on advancement in medical technology; Concern over the impact of the company's growing influence on medical costs.

Cutting health costs by paying doctors more? That is the premise of experiments under way by federal and state government agencies and many insurers around the country. The idea is that by paying family physicians, internists and pediatricians to devote more time and attention to their patients, insurers and patients can save thousands of dollars downstream on unnecessary tests, visits to expensive specialists and avoidable trips to the hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The economic slowdown has swelled the ranks of people without health insurance. But now it is also threatening millions of people who have insurance but find that the coverage is too limited or that they cannot afford their own share of medical costs. Many of the 158 million people covered by employer health insurance are struggling to meet medical expenses that are much higher than they used to be -- often because of some combination of higher premiums, less extensive coverage, and bigger out-of-pocket deductibles and co-payments. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Shares of WellPoint, one of the nation's largest health insurers, plummeted more than 16 percent in after-hours trading Monday after the company lowered its profit forecast, citing higher medical costs and lower-than-expected insurance enrollments. Shares of other big insurers also fell in after-hours trading on the WellPoint news. Humana was off by more than 10 percent, Aetna declined by about 10 percent and UnitedHealth Group was down nearly 9 percent. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Reports on the concern of investors in the U.S. over increasing retiree health care costs.

Focuses on the prediction of some analysts that the notable prosperity of managed care plans may decline due to Medicare drug coverage in the U.S.

Outlines efforts of legislators to decrease the cost of medical care and medical insurance in the U.S. Similarities and differences between the heath care proposals made by Democratic Presidential nominee John Kerry and Senate Republican leader Bill Frist; Focus of reducing the cost of health care to employers; Impact of rising health care costs on the growth of small businesses; Analysis of the cost of each proposal to the federal government.

Reports that the cost of providing health care to employees has risen 11.2 percent this year alone. How it is the fourth consecutive year of double-digit increases in health insurance premiums; Costs which have caused many companies to drop health insurance as an employee benefit and raised prices for those who are still covered; Increase which was five times the national increase in wages; Price being paid by small businesses; Recent changes in Medicare coverage which will also cost senior citizens more.

Examines the role of General Electric (GE) in the nation's health care industry. How GE's health care business is among its fastest-growing and most profitable units; Vision of its chief executive, Jeffrey R. Immelt; View that medical technology, the company's specialty, is contributing to rising health care costs; Concerns over the conglomerate's growing influence among hospitals and doctors; Mention of GE's diagnostic imaging equipment; Marketing strategy; Possible conflicts; Background on GE, one of the nation's largest employers; Outlook.

Reports that fifty of the country's largest employers are creating a buyer's club in hopes to slow the rising cost of prescription drugs. The alliance's effort to bargain directly with drug makers on behalf of five million active and retired employees and their families; Drug prices, which are one of employers' fastest growing costs.

Cites the result of a survey pertaining to the prices of health maintenance organizations/managed care plans in the U.S. Increase in health care costs and health plan profits compared to the pace of consumer inflation; Average increase that employers are seeking from health maintenance organizations.

Reports that health insurance premiums are expected to rise up to 10 percent this year, well below the annual increases of 14 to 18 percent of the last few years but still more than double the overall inflation rate. Impact on employers and their insured workers; Statistics showing changes in premiums and deductibles; Factors putting downward pressure on rate increases; Relationship between cost trends and premium trends.

Reports on the increase in spending on drugs to treat children and adolescents for behavior-related disorders in the United States.

Reports on the partnership formed by several major employers in the United States to pool their buying power in an attempt to extend health coverage to part-time employees and other workers without insurance. Analysts' assessment of the success of the partnership which includes General Electric, McDonald's and Sears Roebuck; Plan of the employers group to use their buying power to require health insurers in the program to provide them with information on the costs and the medical effectiveness of particular hospitals and doctors.

Reports that employers have unleashed a new wave of cutbacks in company-paid health benefits for retirees, with a growing number of companies saying that retirees can retain coverage only if they bear the full cost themselves. Reasons for the trend, including the fast-rising cost of health care; Impact of the sudden increase in premium on retirees; Benefits of the change including access to a group product that they could not duplicate on their own; Comments from early retirees, some of whom have had to return to work to pay for their insurance.

Discusses how the number of Americans without health insurance is growing, but the extent of the problem varies widely, state by state. View of some policy makers and health care experts that the best way to give health coverage is to give some people less; Ways that basic coverage packages are being tested in several states, including Utah, Oregon and Idaho; Call on consumers and employers to share the burden of extending coverage, rather than relying on the government; Effort to seek a uniform minimum level for health insurance.

Reports the statement by critics of the Medicare plan devised by Congressional leaders that the plan will not cut costs of drugs and medical services in the United States. Prescription drug benefit for the disabled and the elderly; Comments from consumer groups; Benefits that rural hospitals and doctors would ream from the bill.

Reports on the rising costs of health care and the efforts by companies to shift more of the burden on employees. Number of people without employer-provided health coverage; Blame for reduction in Medicare coverage on soaring drug costs; Arguments for raising prices from insurance companies and health care economists; How the expense of prescription drugs adds to the health care crisis; How different companies are changing their health plan coverage.

Reports that nine U.S. states and the District of Columbia are organizing a joint nonprofit operation to manage their prescription plans. Intent to hold down spending on medicines for state employees and Medicaid beneficiaries; Cuts in Medicaid benefits and eligibility; Deficits that dozens of states are facing; How health care spending is a major part of states' financial problems, and drugs the fastest growing component; Comments of Peter E. Shumlin, chairman of the group that is organizing the benefit plan.

Discusses Medicare reform that could include a prescription drug benefit. Insurance companies and large employers that are pleased with the proposal made by U.S. President George W. Bush; Managed care companies that offered health insurance coverage to those on Medicare; Proposal that could offer retirees that option of traditional Medicare of alternative insurance coverage that would be at the same cost to the U.S. government.

Reports that U.S. employers and Congressional leaders say the next great health care debate will be over how to help the uninsured. Efforts of Senator John B. Breaux (D-La.) and pension plan leaders to gain support for universal health insurance; Package that House Republican leaders are working on; The rising number of uninsured; Impact of increases in health costs on retirees; How paying for the uninsured is making health care more expensive for private employers and government programs.

Examines why many large employers in the U.S. are cutting back on health care benefits for retirees or requiring them to pay more for coverage. Impact of surging inflation in medical costs on corporate profits; Increases in employer spending on prescription drugs; Cutbacks by Medicare health maintenance organizations (HMOs); Examples of retiree Margaret Cleary and others; Why many large companies are increasing their forecasts of future health care liabilities.

Reports on the rise in personal medical care costs for Medicare health maintenance organizations in 2001.

Reports the increase in the amount being charged on employees for health care expenditures in the United States.

Focuses on the rising cost of health insurance in fall 2001, according to a survey by benefits consulting firm, Hewitt Associates. Idea that employees of smaller companies will feel the greatest impact as employers stop absorbing much of the cost of higher premiums; Details of expected rate increases; Inability of managed care to contain costs; Examples of health benefit costs at companies like Aerial Crane Company, Analog Devices, and Accent Food Services.

Reports on the announcement by health insurer Aetna of losses in the second quarter of 2001. Increase in medical costs; Analysis of stocks and revenue; How the company will shed some of its money-losing businesses in an effort to cut costs.

Discusses the effects of the AIDS epidemic on the economics of patient care in the United States, as of June 2001, 20 years after the disease was first discovered in the country. How AIDS treatment drugs have improved, making the patients much healthier and less likely to need inpatient care; Statement that AIDS drug regimens, which require significant outpatient monitoring, can be very expensive; Financial effects of the epidemic on physicians and hospitals; Possible solutions.

Discusses rising medical costs in the United States, as of May, 2001. How hospitals are winning higher payments from insurers; How insurance companies are passing on the increasing costs to employers and consumers; Thought that a number of hospitals are becoming more powerful in their regions through mergers and acquisitions; Reasons for the hospital increases, including rising labor costs for nurses, pharmacists and other workers in short supply.

Focuses on companies which are offering below-market prices on prescription drugs and medical services. Way in which the plans work; Drugstores and other providers that join the plans in an effort to reach more customers; Examples of companies including Medisavers and HealthMarket.

Discusses the announcement of Aetna that it was unable to meet earnings forecasts because of the rise in health care costs. Drop in the company's stock price; Questions about Aetna's plans to reorganize and sell some of its units to the ING Group of the Netherlands; Search of the company for a chief executive officer; Plans of Aetna to raise the health care premiums of some customers.

Focuses on the financial performance of health insurance company Aetna in 2000. Increase in the company's first quarter operating profits; Rise in Aetna shares on the New York Stock Exchange on February 18, 2000; Number of people covered by Aetna U.S. Healthcare; Cost trends in medical and prescription drugs.

Reveals the results of a study conducted by the Lewin Group about spending on health care for the growing number adults in the United States. Purpose of the study; Main medical risks for the obese; Cost of all treatment for obese adults in 1999.

Reports on the finances of managed health care plans and the Medicare program in the United States. Success in slowing growth in spending for doctors and hospitals; The financial burden of life-enhancing medical devices and procedures; Impact of technological advances on the cost of health care; Comments of health directors; Companies that have been heavily impacted by the costs, including Humana Inc. and Health Partners.

Discusses the cost of health benefits, which, on average, is 50 percent of corporate net earnings. Results of a survey by the Foster Higgins benefits consulting firm; Managed care; `Point of service' plans.

Focuses on medical costs in the United States. Medical costs beginning to rise, possibly sharply for small businesses; Expected growth in 1998 medical costs; Why prices are under growing pressure; How underlying forces that drove up health care costs in the 1980s are still powerful in the 1990s; Why higher prices are expected to fall especially heavy on private employers; Comments of health care analysts.