Topic: Health Care Issues

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In Pictures: Who's who on the US deficit super committee
GOP debate: Who said it? A quiz.

Many things were said at the Sept. 7 GOP presidential debate at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Calif. Can you remember who said what?
In Pictures: Key players in the Amanda Knox trial
Who's who on Congress's debt 'super committee'

Congress has created a special super committee to find at least $1.2 trillion in US budget cuts. If the plan is voted down, automatic spending cuts are slated to occur. Here are the 12 lawmakers named to the super committee.
Budget cuts: five groups likely to feel the pinch

If there's one thing that's lacking in the debt deal that president signed on Aug. 2, it's specifics. It asks for $1.5 trillion in spending cuts over the next 10 years, but gives few concrete details about where they'll come from. The deal does outline some changes for student loans, and it leaves out renewals for a couple of unemployment benefits programs. But most of the envisioned budget cuts won't become clearer until this fall, when a 12-member, bipartisan "super committee" gives its recommendations to Congress. Some Americans may be particularly vulnerable to their budget choices. Here are five groups who could see a reduction in government largesse:

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Social Security recipients see 3.5 percent raise

Social Security recipients have not received a raise since 2009. That is set to change in 2012, when Social Security checks will be about 3.5 percent more than the last two years.
Presidential debate turns into Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em Republicans

The focus of Tuesday's Republican presidential debate was supposed to be Herman Cain, but Rick Perry and Mitt Romney went at each other like heavyweights, suggesting that each thinks the other is his main competition.
Robert Reich
Republican debates have lots of viewers, but no answers

Tonight’s Republican debate may attract lots of viewers. It need not capture their minds.
Economist Mom
AARP's offensive new ad campaign

AARP's new ad campaign deems Social Security and Medicare benefits off limits. But would most members agree with that position if they understood it was just insuring that even more of the debt would be shifted to their children and grandchildren?
Government suspends home-care provision of health-care reform law

The CLASS act, a provision in the heath-care reform law designed to help the disabled and elderly cash to receive care at home, could not be both voluntary and budget-neutral, say health officials.
Relief in California over federal crackdown on medical marijuana

Community leaders from the San Diego area applaud last week's announcement of a widespread federal crackdown on sham medical marijuana dispensaries: 'We’ve heard youths often ask why marijuana is such a big deal when, after all, it is 'medicine'. '
The Daily Reckoning
What Occupy Wall Street is really about

The system has failed Americans in a multitude of ways. But that doesn't absolve anyone of personal responsibility for his own problems.
Robert Reich
The seven biggest economic lies

This nation can't improve unless more Americans know the truth about the economy
Fed crackdown on California medical marijuana: Does Obama mean it?

The Obama Justice Department last week began to rein in California's out-of-control medical marijuana industry. How sustainable is this new federal enforcement of the state's pot shops?
GOP presidential debate fallout: Is Mitt Romney becoming inevitable?

At Tuesday's GOP presidential debate, Mitt Romney fielded questions deftly, attacked when given an opening, and stayed out of jab-fests. Contenders so far haven't knocked him off stride.
On the Economy
A particularly bad cut

Why cutting funding to community health centers is a devastating mistake
Showdown in California over medical marijuana, as feds crack down

Four US Attorneys in California said Friday they are targeting growers and distributors who use California's medical marijuana law as a cover to engage in illegal drug trafficking.
Donald Marron
High-deductible health plans growing

The employer market is moving toward more consumer-driven plans. Will that translate into lower health spending?
Next big obstacle for Obama's Affordable Care Act? It's not just the Supreme Court.

The success of the new health care law depends on enrolling 30 million people in insurance plans. If officials don't clarify and simplify that enrollment process, the law will amount to a significant waste of time and taxpayer dollars.
Why a fast Supreme Court ruling on health-care law might benefit Obama

The Obama administration says it did not consider politics when it asked for a ruling from the US Supreme Court on its health-care law. To be sure, both parties will hope to spin a positive story from the result.
On the Economy
Why commissions can't solve the economy's problems

Commissions, or expert panels, try to solve subjective problems objectively and amplify cynicism about the government
Culture Cafe
'Shining' sequel happening, Stephen King says

Stephen King says psychics and vampires will be the center of new book.
Donald Marron
Health insurance premiums skyrocket

Family health insurance premiums jumped nine percent in 2011. That's the fastest health insurance inflation since 2005.
Stefan Karlsson
There is more than one inflation rate

Prices of certain consumer goods, like food, clothes, and fuel, affect lower income groups more than the wealthy
On the Economy
Government-regulated health care saves money

Why a federally regulated approach to health care has proven more cost-effective than initiatives aimed at generating private competition
Tax VOX
Buffett rule: All about capital gains

Obama's objection—and Buffett’s—is not with rates paid by the average taxpayer who makes a million dollars or more a year Rather it is with those in this group who make most of their money from investments.
Vox News
Jon Stewart is hosting Ron Paul. What will he ask him?

Jon Stewart has said Ron Paul hasn't been given his fair share of coverage by the media. On Monday he is hosting the GOP candidate on 'The Daily Show.' And there is lots to talk about.
Medicare could save $125 billion

Medicare and Medicaid could save the money through coordinating care, a study says. Some 9 million elderly are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
The Daily Reckoning
The real cause of economic stagnation

In today's changing economy, it's no longer true that you get out what you put in
On the Economy
Class warfare? Hardly.

Opinions on the president's debt plan