Voluntary Benefits

Spending on prescription medicines in the U.S. fell for the first time in decades last year, slipping as cash-strapped consumers continued to cut back on use of health care services.

Dutch financial company ING Groep NV reported Wednesday that its first-quarter earnings rose as it sold businesses and improved profit margins at its banking arm. Its insurance arm reported a loss.

Aegon NV, the Dutch insurer that does most of its business in the United States under the Transamerica brand, says first quarter profits fell sharply due to stock market losses.

The Wisconsin state Senate plans to vote on a bill with bipartisan support that would allow dentists to charge more for certain services not covered by an insurance plan.

Some consumers trying to save a few bucks in the poor economic climate have an unfortunate solution: delaying dental care.

North Carolina's largest health insurer says the federal health insurance overhaul law kicking in next year will mean higher costs for about a third of its customers who pay for their own coverage and lower or stable prices for about two-thirds.