Scrutiny for Insurers of the Aged
By CHARLES DUHIGG, New York Times
The top-ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee has asked 11 long-term care insurance companies to explain “troubling data” regarding how policyholders’ claims are handled and paid.

8 States Plan to Press Bush on Health Bill
By SARAH KERSHAW, New York Times
The states, including New York, say that new rules for a federal health insurance program for poor children will force some out and leave others who would be eligible without coverage.

Medicare Premium Rise Lowest in 6 Years
By KEVIN FREKING, Associated Press
Elderly and disabled people will see their monthly Medicare premiums rise 3.1 percent next year to $96.40 – the lowest increase in six years.

Democrats Build Plan to Override Health Bill Veto
By ROBERT PEAR and DAVID M. HERSZENHORN, New York Times
Democrats and their allies mapped out a strategy to override an expected veto of a bipartisan bill providing health insurance for 10 million children, most of them in low-income families.

Senate Passes Children’s Health Plan
By ROBERT PEAR, New York Times
The Senate gave final approval on Thursday to a health insurance bill for 10 million children, clearing the measure for President Bush, who said he would veto it.

Bush Threatens Veto of Child Health Bill
By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG, New York Times
President Bush called a popular children’s health insurance program “a step toward federalization of health care.”

More Profit and Less Nursing at Many Homes
By CHARLES DUHIGG, New York Times
Insulated from lawsuits by their corporate structures, private investors in nursing homes have cut expenses and staff, sometimes below minimum requirements.

U.S. Rule Limits Emergency Care for Immigrants
By SARAH KERSHAW, New York Times
The federal government has told New York State that chemotherapy, which had been covered for illegal immigrants under a Medicaid provision, does not qualify for coverage.

Benefit Improvements for Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries
Kaiser Family Foundation
The Kaiser Family Foundation has prepared a summary showing how the House-passed Children’s Health and Medicare Protection (CHAMP) Act legislation would change current law regarding assistance for low-income Medicare beneficiaries.

Unveiling Health Care 2.0, Again
By ROBIN TONER, New York Times
The lessons of 1993: Everyone wants a change, but that doesn’t mean it will happen.