In response to criticism of the way health insurers have marketed private Medicare plans, the Bush administration announced a series of proposals that would bar some controversial practices. The rules would not permit more state oversight of the plans. Wall Street Journal et al.
Democratic House leaders questioned drug industry leaders over three discontinued advertising campaigns that the lawmakers said were intended to mislead consumers. Democrats have tried to bar direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical ads in the past. AP/Houston Chronicle et al.
Low outpatient surgery volume is prompting Doctors Medical Center to close a Modesto location after 23 years. Meanwhile, security officers at 23 Kaiser Permanente medical facilities began a three-day strike over what they allege are unfair labor practices.
Differences between health care proposals offered by Democratic Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama and Republican Sen. John McCain drew media scrutiny this week. The candidates' positions on Medicare and Social Security also got attention.