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Reports that a group of large employers, called Rx Collaborative, has united to monitor the business practices of the middlemen drug buyers that most employer use to get discounts from pharmaceutical companies in the United States. Effort by employers to cope with drug costs; Pharmacy benefit managers as important players in the managed care arena; Issue of price transparency.

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.

Looks at some significant implications of President George W. Bush's re-election on the health care sector in the United States. Plan of improving health quality by providing tax breaks, free-market incentives and greater choice for individuals in shopping for their own care; Proposal for a larger role for the government in both paying for health care and controlling prices.

Reports that the U.S. government will offer more than three million federal employees and their families a type of high-deductible health insurance that includes tax-free savings accounts. Aetna's providing of insurance and administering of the plans for federal employees in 32 states; Availability of the insurance plans to members of Congress and judges under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.

Reports on the increase in Medicare charges in the U.S. Possibility for elderly people to join Medicare health maintenance organizations operated by private industry; Actions taken by the government to address the problem.

The article reports that U.S. health insurance firms UnitedHealth and Humana are making a major commitment to the Medicare Advantage program, in which doctor networks are managed by the insurers rather than chosen by patients and paid directly by the government. Twenty percent of the 43 million Medicare recipients are enrolled in the program, and the companies hope to enroll many more. The program costs the government much more than traditional Medicare, making it a risky bet politically.

This article reports on the efforts of some employers in helping employees to quit smoking. Corporations have successfully turned their workplaces into smoke-free environments, but they now want to create a smoke-free workforce to reduce medical bills. Many companies are paying for programs that help workers stop smoking.

The article describes medical publisher Reed Elsevier's plan to provide free Internet access to articles in some of its most popular journals, such as "The Lancet" and "Surgical Oncology." The plan is a significant change from the typical practice of charging high subscription rates for journals that attract few advertisers. Reed Elsevier is hoping to pay for the free access by attracting more advertisers and by selling its subscribers' list to advertisers.

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 discusses the issue of health care faced by early retirees in the United States. With early retirement rates rising, many Americans find themselves unable to receive or afford health care coverage. Therefore, some of the larger companies have decided on an initiative that will relieve some of this stress from their retired employees. Companies will offer retired employees health insurance that cannot be denied, regardless of medical conditions.

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 reports that Steven Case, the founder of Internet access portal America Online, is revealing a medical web site for consumers. The site is part of Revolution Health Group, which also has a stake in the RediClinic chain of retail health clinics that operate in Wal-Marts and Walgreen's across the country.

The article presents a discussion of health care in the United States as of 2007. Health insurance premiums have risen 87 percent since 2000, far outpacing inflation and putting huge stress on companies facing international competition from countries with universal health care. The article presents some of the corporate opinions regarding health care.

This article discusses the practice of employers giving free medications to their employees to help them battle conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma. Companies such as Marriott International and Pitney Bowes have introduced free drug programs for their employees, to help them avoid paying for more expensive drugs down the road. The article also discusses the benefits of these preventive health measures.

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 discusses how the U.S. Congress will scrutinize drug advertising aimed at consumers. Congress will be considering the renewal of the user fee which allows pharmaceutical companies to speed up the review process. Adding an additional user fee to pay for more U.S. Food and Drug Administration employees to evaluate consumer drug ads may also be considered. One important issue concerns the waiting period before drug manufacturers can begin advertising.

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 discusses the issue of privacy rights in medical history records. Many lobbyists, supported by the technology industry, are pushing for legislation to push the medical profession into the computer age. Some are concerned that putting everyone's medical records in computer systems will make them vulnerable to be seen by those not authorized. Congress is talking about laws to help protect people's private information.

This article offers a look at Wal-Mart, which has a new program in which its pharmacies sell generic prescription drugs for $4. The program is successful, inducing Target to create a similar program. However, the article points out that it is unclear whether Wal-mart is making a profit from the program; In late November 2006 the company announced that it began charging $9 in some states.

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 authors report that chief executive Dr. William W. McGuire was forced to resign from United Health. UnitedHealth, one of the largest health insurers in the U.S, also dismissed its general counsel and a board member in a major overhaul of its governance and leadership. A law firm hired by the company to investigate its stock options found it backdated options to maximize employees compensation and concluded the company was poorly controlled and rife with conflicts of interest.

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 article discusses the proliferation of Medicare alternatives offered by private U.S. health insurance providers. The fee-for-service plans, as they are known, are subsidized by the government and are seen as another attempt to privatize Medicare and are costing taxpayers more. Patients hope the plans will substantially reduce drug costs.

This article focuses on the windfall experienced by the pharmaceutical industry over the transfer of millions of low-income people into the new Medicare Part D drug program. Drugs had been less expensive in Medicaid programs since they were purchased by states at the lowest available prices.The benefits of this surprisingly lucrative niche market, drugs for poor people, may show up in the quarterly financial results of drug makers. Drug prices have risen since the advent of Medicare Part D.

This article highlights efforts made by U.S. doctors to meet more of the needs of their patients. These measures include adding internet services for patients and making the process for scheduling appointments easier. Doctors hope that this patient-centric approach may decrease no-shows and increase business.

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 reports on clinic companies that offer walk-in medical care in drug stores and retail stores in the United States. MinuteClinic partners with Bartell Drugs, CVS pharmacy, Cub Foods, and Target. Take Care Health Systems is partnering with Osco Drug and Rite Aid. RediClinic is associated with Duane Reade, H-E-B, Wal-Mart, and Walgreen. Solantic is associated with Wal-Mart in Florida and opened its first clinic in 2002. The prices for a sick visit range from $45 to $68. The clinics' top executives and expansion plans are mentioned.

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 focuses on the new Medicare prescription drug program. According to the author, the program's rollout has had mixed reviews. It is suggested that the Medicare program is shaping up as a great opportunity for big insurance companies. The article includes comments on the issue from Humana Inc. chief executive Michael B. McCallister.

The article focuses on WebMD's Corp.'s new Web site WebMD Health. The author reviews how entrepreneurial deal maker Mary Wygod has turned the web site into the most-visited medial information site on the Internet. The author discusses the question of whether or not the time has finally come for using the Internet as much more than an online medical encyclopedia and health care news medium.

The article looks at U.S. President George W. Bush new prescription drug plan, in light of his forthcoming State of the Union address. The author reviews how Bush has made "consumer-directed" health costs a cornerstone of his policy for addressing runaway medical costs. It is the author's view that there is little evidence that the approach is working. It is suggested that many people have enrolled in the new drug plan in search of cost discounts or because they had no insurance option.

This article reports on the health care coverage promised to retirees in most U.S. cities and states. New York City, for example, currently provides free health insurance to its retirees, their spouses and dependent children. The state has promised to pay, depending on the date of hire, 90 to 100 percent of the cost of individual retirees, and 82 to 86 percent for retiree families.

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.

The article discusses the new prescription drug plan, known as Medicare Part D, that is being offered by the government to millions of elderly and disabled people beginning January 1, 2006. The plan is described as extremely confusing, partly because it is federally subsidized but run by the commercial insurance industry, who are competing for customers and continually adjusting their offerings. The article describes steps that can be taken to decide which plan is best. Reference is made to the fact that the December 31st deadline applies to programs that begin in January, but that a May 15th deadline is also offered without penalty.

The article discusses the impact of the new Medicare drug insurance program on those Americans who already have ample drug coverage through their former employers. Many retirees are receiving warnings from their former companies stating that if they cancel their drug coverage in order to use Medicare, their medical coverage will be cancelled as well. The aim of Congress when it passed the Medicare law was to provide benefits to those who did not enjoy coverage form former employers. But some of those who are already covered are now concerned about the future of those benefits. The article provides details about the new Medicare drug benefit called "Part D" and suggests questions that retirees should ask before making a decision about enrolling in Part D.

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 pop culture figures of a certain age or from a certain era in television are playing lead roles in a vast new marketing and advertising blitz. Likelihood that hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent trying to get millions of older Americans to sign up for the new Medicare prescription drug benefits that will effect January 1, 2006; Importance of the fact that the federally subsidized Medicare drug plans will be sold and administered by private industry; Efforts by insurers and pharmacy chains to grab shares of the new business; Description of tactics used to reach older people, such as daytime television advertising and direct mail; Concerns about communicating the complexities of the drug insurance plans.

Focuses on a deal by WellPoint to buy the owner of Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield in New York. How WellPoint has become the nation's largest health insurer by acquiring state Blue Cross providers; Reputation of Blue Cross as one of the premier brands in health insurance; Details of the agreement; Why future deals with Blue Cross in other states may be much harder to come by; How the remaining plans that WellPoint does not own or has not agreed to acquire are all nonprofit organizations; Background on WellPoint, which was created through the merger of WellPoint Health Networks and Anthem; Comments of Larry Glasscock, WellPoint's chief executive.

Reports that the giant health insurer WellPoint Health Networks Inc. is near a deal to acquire WellChoice Inc., the largest health insurer in New York State. Discussion of how the deal would give WellPoint, already the nation's largest health insurer, an expanded foothold in the Northeast; Suggestion that deal is a counter measure to recent moves by UnitedHealth Group Inc.; View of health insurers that they can decrease prices by growing in size.

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.

Reports that UnitedHealth Group, the nation's second-largest health insurer, has agreed to buy PacifiCare Health Systems. Implications of the merger, which would push UnitedHealth Group into the rapidly growing Medicare market; Views of UnitedHealth's chief executive, Dr. William McGuire; Overview of the deal; Backgrounds on the two companies, Views of Wall Street analysts; Outlook for UnitedHealth gaining an array of services for the rapidly growing Medicare population; Role of McGuire in expanding his company through acquisitions.

Discusses weight-loss surgery. Idea that insurers are reluctant to approve coverage for bariatric operations because of the cost and risk of complications; Data showing the demand for bariatric surgery and the death rate; How the threat of malpractice lawsuits has affected insurance premiums and physicians' decisions to practice; The extent of the market for weight-control products and services; The experience of Andrea Carrero of New Jersey with Cigma health plan which refused to approve the surgery; Notice given to doctors by the Medical Liability Mutual Insurance company which ended coverage for bariatric surgeons; Indication that UnitedHealth Group, Aetna and Cigma offer bariatric coverage as rider to the employer's policy.

Focuses on a recent federal court ruling that requires employers who offer health insurance to early retirees to give comparable coverage to retirees who are age 65 or older and eligible for Medicare. Report that federal courts have agreed with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and their view that companies who offer superior benefits to younger retirees, and less benefits to those eligible for Medicare, are practicing age discrimination; Discussion of the influence of rising health care costs on retirees.

Discusses the strategy of the defense in the criminal fraud case against Richard M. Scrushy, the former HealthSouth chief executive accused of overseeing accounting fraud. How five former HealthSouth chief executives testified that Scrushy overstated the company's earnings from 1996 to 2003; Reasons why Scrushy should testify in the case; Analysis of the trial.

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.

Reports that a growing number of U.S. companies are hunting for older workers because they have lower turnover rates and, in many cases, better work performance. Efforts by Home Depot, Borders and Wal-Mart to recruit older workers; Observation that the percentage of older Americans in the work force has risen; How recruitment efforts are reaching a willing audience, as more older people seek work because they need extra money and health benefits; Comments of older workers; Observation that in industries with labor shortages, like nursing, older workers already have an edge.

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.

Reports that Richard Scrushy, chief executive of HealthSouth, urged top aides to take measures that would spare the company disappointing profits and a loss on an investment according to previously unreleased court documents. Comments attributed to Scrushy in the documents; Role of William Owens, a senior executive at HealthSouth who is cooperating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in the secret recording of Scrushy's remarks; Charges made by the Securities and Exchange Commission against HealthSouth including inflated profits reporting; Number of HealthSouth employees who have pled guilty to accounting and bank fraud charges.