health care

"Nearly 1 in 3 uninsured Americans have already been covered — more than 16 million people -– driving our uninsured rate to its lowest level ever," President Obama told a cheering crowd at the Catholic Health Association's annual conference Tuesday.

Health & Safety

The Uninsured Rate Is Low, But Proving It's The Lowest Ever Is Tricky

10:00am June 12, 2015

by Julie Rovner

President Obama hails the Affordable Care Act for driving the uninsured rate "to its lowest level ever." But changes in how the rate has been measured make historical claims difficult.

Michael Carvin (right), lead attorney for the petitioners speaking before the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on March 4. The justices heard arguments in King v. Burwell.

Some States Make Obamacare Backup Plans, As Supreme Court Decision Looms

2:18pm June 11, 2015

by Elana Gordon

A Supreme Court ruling could threaten health insurance subsidies in about three dozen states. But many states aren't sharing contingency plans lest they be seen as supporting Obamacare.

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Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell talks before a Capitol Hill hearing Wednesday with Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., as Rep. Pat Meehan, R-Pa., looks on.

Health & Safety

If Obamacare Subsidies Disappear, States And Congress Will Bear Burden For Fix

11:08am June 11, 2015

More than 6 million people could lose income-related subsidies if the Supreme Court strikes them down for coverage bought through the federal exchange, HealthCare.gov.

Abortion-rights supporters (foreground) try to disrupt an anti-abortion march to the Texas Capitol during a Texas Rally for Life on Jan. 24 in Austin, Texas.

Court Decision On Texas Abortion Law Could Hasten Clinic Closures

3:10pm June 10, 2015

by Jennifer Ludden

A federal appeals court has upheld sweeping abortion restrictions in Texas that supporters say protect women's health. Opponents say the decision could leave just seven or eight clinics open.

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Health plans begun under the Affordable Care Act are required to cover FDA-approved contraceptive methods without cost to members. Older plans are exempt from that rule.

Consumers In 'Grandfathered' Health Plans Can Face Higher Costs

10:06am June 10, 2015

by Michelle Andrews

These older policies existed before the health law was enacted in 2010 and haven't change much. They cover about a quarter of insured workers, and aren't subject to the same rules as Obamacare plans.

Obama Defends Health Care Law As Supreme Court Ruling Nears

8:10pm June 09, 2015

by Scott Horsley

President Obama defends the health care reform law as the Supreme Court prepares to issue a ruling in a case that could dismantle it. The law still remains controversial politically.

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Carol and John Iovine say the health coach their insurer assigned John after he had a torrent of grave health problems in 2014 has helped them get the medical care he still needs. And it's helped keep him out of the hospital.

Insurer Uses Personal Data To Predict Who Will Get Sick

5:31pm June 09, 2015

by Todd Bookman

A Philadelphia health insurance company analyzes its clients' health data and other factors to find the frailest and assign them health coaches. That may improve health, but is it a breach of privacy?

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To Beat Insomnia, Try Therapy For The Underlying Cause Instead Of Pills

2:47pm June 09, 2015

by Maanvi Singh

A review of the medical evidence finds that therapy can break the cycle of chronic sleeplessness by addressing the anxieties that cause many people to stay awake.

People protesting against the Affordable Care Act rallied outside the Supreme Court in March, before arguments in the second major challenge to the law.

5 Questions Answered On The Legal Challenge To Obamacare Subsidies

3:09pm June 08, 2015

by Julie Rovner

If the court rules against the Obama administration, health insurance subsidies could be eliminated for more than 6 million people in states that use HealthCare.gov, the federal exchange website.

The experimental drug flibanserin, made by Sprout Pharmaceuticals, is at the center of a regulatory controversy.

Health & Safety

Advisers To FDA Recommend Agency Approve Drug To Boost Female Libido

4:13pm June 05, 2015

by Rob Stein

Proponents claim the Food and Drug Administration is applying a double standard to its review of a drug some call the female Viagra. Critics say flibanserin hasn't been proved safe or effective.

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