HEADLINE NEWS

BLUE CROSS INTRODUCES VISION PLAN FOR SMALL GROUP:  A new offering for the small group market will be available August 1, 2005 with benefits, rates and provider networks comparable to VSP.

Medicare Covers Glaucoma Detection Eye Exam:  New Coverage to Benefit At-Risk Populations.

Once-a-Week Workout Keeps Elderly Strong: One workout a week can mean the difference between frailty and freedom.

Top Court OKs Medical 2nd Opinions: When Debra Moran's insurer refused to pay for an operation to treat her debilitating nerve problem, she didn't take no for an answer. She got a second opinion.

FDA OKs Device to Treat Back Pain: The government on Tuesday approved sales of a device that could radically change surgery for certain back pain sufferers.

Medicare, medicaid underpayments push private premiums up:  An analysis of California hospital costs and revenues released today by Blue Shield of California indicates that low reimbursement rates paid by Medicare and Medi-Cal (the state's Medicaid program) may result in cost-shifting onto private insurers amounting to 9.5 percent of premiums.

health benefit taxation sparks debate in congress:  For 60 years, American workers have received job-sponsored healthcare benefits that neither they nor corporations pay taxes on, but some groups are pushing for an end to that arrangement.