RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR, Associated Press

Senate confirms former nurse to run Medicare

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar | May 15, 2013

The Senate has confirmed a former nurse to run Medicare and other government health insurance programs with a combined budget surpassing the Pentagon's.
Experts warn of huge cost disparities in reform

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar | May 13, 2013

Cancer patients could face high costs for medications under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
States fear loss of health care aid

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar | May 3, 2013

Thousands of people with serious medical problems are in danger of losing coverage under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul because of cost overruns, state officials say.
Medicaid improved mental health for uninsured

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar | May 2, 2013

If you're uninsured, getting on Medicaid clearly improves your mental health, but it doesn't seem to make much difference in physical conditions such as high blood pressure.
Laying bare your finances to apply for health care

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar | April 30, 2013

The first draft was as mind-numbing and complex as tax forms. Now the Obama administration is unveiling a simplified application for health insurance benefits under the federal health care overhaul.
Help for 'uninsurables' mired in political battle

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar | April 23, 2013

Republicans are offering to bail out a financially strapped program in the federal health overhaul, one that's a lifeline for uninsured people with medical problems. Truce in the health care wars? Not!
Fallout for states rejecting Medicaid expansion

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar | April 22, 2013

Rejecting the Medicaid expansion in the federal health care law could have unexpected consequences for states where Republican lawmakers remain steadfastly opposed to what they scorn as "Obamacare."
Top Dem sees ‘train wreck’ for Obama health law

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar | April 17, 2013

A senior Democratic senator who helped write President Barack Obama's health care law stunned administration officials Wednesday, saying openly he thinks it's headed for a "train wreck" because of bumbling implementation.
Medicare hike could also hit some in middle class

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar | April 15, 2013

Due to the creeping effects of inflation, 20 million Medicare beneficiaries would end up paying higher "income related" premiums for their outpatient and prescription coverage under President Obama's budget.
Upper-income seniors face Medicare hike

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar | April 12, 2013

President Barack Obama’s new plan to raise Medicare premiums for upper-income seniors would create five new income brackets to squeeze more revenue for the government from the top tiers of retirees.