Two of the nation's largest not-for-profit health insurers said Tuesday that a new joint venture will provide an opportunity for Blues insurers nationwide to expand into Medicaid coverage just as states are seeking ways to save money in the program and the ranks of Medicaid enrollees is poised to grow.

The unemployment rate among military veterans who served after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks remains stubbornly higher than the general population, especially for the youngest men to leave the service, according to a congressional report released Tuesday.