Federal health officials have approved a first-of-a-kind artificial heart valve that can be implanted without major surgery, offering a new treatment option for patients who are too old or frail for the chest-cracking procedure currently used.

Federal health experts are recommending that use of Merck's blockbuster cholesterol drug Vytorin be expanded to patients with kidney disease, but not those with late-stage disease who are on dialysis.

A consistent message and brand is essential in remaining in the minds of potential clients.

Pensions improve the quality of Californias public education system and reduce turnover costs, according to a report issued by the National Institute on Retirement Security.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Wednesday acknowledged that the pace of economic growth is likely to be "frustratingly slow," after the Fed downgraded its forecast for the next two years.

Mercers US Outsourcing business has rolled out Financial Engines Income+ to its defined contribution plan client base.

Now some New Yorkers can literally go shopping for their health benefits. UnitedHealthcare just opened its first comprehensive health benefits store in Flushing, Queens, N.Y.

Cigna Corp. said last week that it expects earnings growth in 2012, but the health insurer's prospects will get a more significant boost in 2013, according to a Citi analyst.