Health plans get negative credit rating

A global rating agency believes that health system reform could hurt insurance companies' bottom lines.

Supreme Court patent case could affect medical research

Justices will decide whether certain methods are patentable. The ruling may influence process patents in biomedicine and technology.

White House redirects health reform spotlight to insurance abuses

An HHS report documents insurance discrimination against members and denials of coverage; insurers counter with report on high out-of-network physician fees.

Two state courts, same ruling: Informed consent must include all options

Doctors say the Maryland and Wisconsin decisions could lead to their judgment being second-guessed and undermine patient care.

Lawsuits challenge Calif. governor’s budget vetoes

Physicians say moves to further slash Medicaid and CHIP will hurt those who can least afford it. Schwarzenegger says the cuts are legal.