Gov’t: Health tab to hit $4.6 trillion in 2020

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By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar WASHINGTON — The nation’s health care tab is on track to hit $4.6 trillion in 2020, accounting for about $1 of every $5...

Social Security commissioner to leave in February

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WASHINGTON — Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue says he will step down in February after completing his six-year term. Astrue’s departure gives President Barack...

Social Security would fund mid-life education, suggests author

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With nearly 10,000 people a day turning 60 and the widespread fear they’ll eventually bankrupt Social Security, at times it can feel the United States is inevitably headed for a battle between young and old over how federal government dollars are spent.

Medicare facing questions in meningitis outbreak

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WASHINGTON —  Medicare is coming under scrutiny in the meningitis outbreak that has rekindled doubts about the safety of the nation's drug supply. The giant health...

Timeline shows when major changes take place in health law

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“By finding out about what’s in the new law and when the various provisions go into effect, you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family,” said Deborah Banda.

Bipartisan fix advancing for Medicare doctors’ pay

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By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar WASHINGTON — It’s that time of year again: doctors caring for Medicare patients once more face a steep pay cut. But this time...

Most in Mass. insured: Access to care tight

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The report found that while 97 percent of the state's residents were insured, in part due to the state's 2006 health care law, finding a doctor wasn't always easy. Only 44 percent of primary care doctors are accepting new patients, and hospital emergency departments, where care is typically more expensive than in a doctor’s office, are increasingly providing primary health services.

Sens. propose spending cap affecting Soc. Sec., Medicare

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Social Security, Medicare and virtually every other federal program would face the budget ax under legislation unveiled Tuesday aimed at forcing Congress to dramatically cut spending over the coming decade.

How elders fare under Massachusetts FY 2013 budget

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Courtesy, Mass Home Care The FY 2013 budget was released from Conference Committee last night. According to the State House News, "the Speaker returned to the chamber at...

Medicare ‘doughnut hole’ looms for drug customers

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By Tom Murphy The federal health care overhaul delivers deep price cuts this year that will benefit Medicare prescription drug customers who fall into a...