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Many survivors of young adult cancers avoid routine medical care due to cost barriers

Many survivors of adolescent and young adult cancers avoid routine medical care because it's too expensive, despite the fact that most have health insurance.

24 Sep 2012

Medicare takes center stage as president, Ryan address AARP

GOP vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan's plan to overhaul Medicare returned to the political spotlight Friday as both presidential campaigns jabbed each other during a summit of the AARP, the country's top advocacy group for seniors. Both Ryan, who addressed the group in person, and President Obama, who spoke ahead of Ryan via a video feed ..., accused the other side of advancing ideas that would undermine and destroy the popular health-care program for the elderly and the disabled.

24 Sep 2012

Medicare, health reform, women's issues hot topics on campaign trail

With the election a little more than six weeks away, news coverage included the role of health care in the outcome.

24 Sep 2012

No evidence for added benefits of spinal manipulation for acute lower back pain

Manipulating or "adjusting" the spine is a popular way to treat occasional or acute lower back pain and is covered by many health insurance plans, but a recent review by The Cochrane Library finds no evidence to suggest it is more effective than other therapy options.

21 Sep 2012

Smoking, obesity and lack of insurance may be shortening life span for some Americans

The New York Times reports that the nation's life-expectancy trend has reversed by four years since 1990 for the country's least-educated whites.

21 Sep 2012

Research roundup: 'Early' cost-control lessons from Mass.; Colonoscopy coverage; Impact of PSA recommendations

On Aug. 8, Massachusetts' third health care cost control bill became law. It "sets annual state spending targets, encourages the formation of accountable care organizations, and establishes an independent commission to oversee health care system performance."

21 Sep 2012

Jindal, campaigning for Romney, laments that health law will penalize 6 million people

The Louisiana governor denies ties between Romney's health law in Massachusetts and the national overhaul championed by President Barack Obama.

21 Sep 2012

Targeting companies that cut health care costs

Reuters reports that the health care sector will be "a focal point" for years to come and looks at investments in companies that are likely to make money by helping to reduce costs. Meanwhile, Kaiser Health News examines whether competitive health care models like Medicare Part D and the Federal Employees Health Benefits program are taming costs as effectively as supporters suggest.

21 Sep 2012

Viewpoints: AARP's agenda on health law; Cuccinelli 'demeaning' Va. AG's office; Government's health care role

President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak Friday via satellite to a convention sponsored by AARP. ... here are five facts you're unlikely to hear from the president, or AARP, about how each treats seniors: First, while AARP poses as a disinterested senior advocate, it functions as an insurance conglomerate, with a liberal lobbying arm on the side. AARP depends on profits, royalties and commissions to make up more than 50 percent of its annual revenues.

21 Sep 2012