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Protesters rally against Medicaid cuts in front of the U.S. Capitol in June. Medicaid is the nation's largest health insurance program, covering 74 million people — more than 1 in 5 Americans.

Those relying on the federal government's safety net are grandmothers, the kid next door, your supermarket cashier — maybe even you.

Critics of Anthem's policy say imposing a blanket rule that gives preference to freestanding imaging centers is at odds with promoting quality and will lead to fragmented care for patients.

Anthem Says No To Many Scans Done By Hospital-Owned Clinics

MRI and CT scans done at hospitals for outpatients are often too expensive, says the firm, which insures patients in 14 states. The shift in policy won't apply to mammograms or X-rays, Anthem says.

Roughly 1.4 million people in the U.S. live in nursing homes, and two-thirds are covered by Medicaid, the state-federal health care program for people with low incomes or disabilities.

Why Huge Quality Gaps Among Nursing Homes Are Likely To Grow If Medicaid Is Cut

Medicaid covers about two-thirds of nursing home residents across the U.S., and pays significantly less than other types of insurance, including Medicare.

Affordable Care Act navigators helped guide those looking for insurance during an enrollment event at San Antonio's Southwest General Hospital last year. Beyond helping with initial enrollment, navigators often follow up with help later, as an applicant's income or job status changes.

Bemoaning Budget Cuts, Health Care Navigators Say Feds Don't Get It

The federal government has sharply cut funding to groups that help people enroll in health plans. But the groups say federal officials don't understand how much help and follow-up some people need.

Nursing homes are required to have emergency plans and have staff practice evacuations, but many fail to meet even those basic requirements.

Many Nursing Homes Aren't Prepared For Even Basic Emergencies

The deaths of eight residents in a Florida nursing home showed how even seemingly mundane things like failing to maintain climate control can be deadly. Emergency preparation enforcement can be lax.

Some people seeking Medicare penalty waivers have experienced delays at their local Social Security Administration offices.

Advocates Say Seniors With Obamacare Need More Time To Switch To Medicare

Although the government temporarily waived penalties for certain late enrollees to Medicare, the deal ends Sept. 30, which may not be enough time for many to comply.

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb says the agency will close a loophole that lets drug manufacturers skip pediatric testing in some drugs intended for children.

FDA Moves To Rein In Drugmakers' Abuse Of Orphan Drug Law

Following an investigation by Kaiser Health News and NPR, the Food and Drug Administration has moved to close a loophole that lets drugmakers skip pediatric testing of drugs to treat rare diseases.

Sometimes customers are surprised when their insurance coverage changes, but there is help available to sort it out.

What To Do When Your Health Insurance Won't Pay The Bills

Insurers can reduce benefits or change how much they are willing to pay for services, but they are generally supposed to give customers 60 days' notice.

Lulabelle Berry surveys the 600 acres she and her husband, Jimmy, own in the Ozarks near Mountain View, Ark. Berry walks laps on her porch to aid her recovery from a stroke. She says she's grateful for the drug that saved her life. "It's been a good life," she says.

Rural Hospitals Struggle To Stock Expensive Drugs That Could Save Lives

A federal drug program blocks rural hospitals from getting discounts on rare-disease drugs, forcing staff to cut back on supplies of lifesaving medicines.

The Children's Health Insurance Program relies on money from state and federal governments to help subsidize the cost of medical care for some kids not poor enough to qualify for Medicaid.

Will Congress Continue Health Care For 9 Million Children?

The popular Children's Health Insurance Program is up for renewal Sept. 30. Policy analysts say it's unclear whether a deeply divided Congress facing major deadlines will get the job done.

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