Constraints on Medicare costing patients, taxpayers

Now that the budget sequester is in effect, Congress is shifting its attention to entitlement reform. There's simply no way to achieve long-term reductions in federal spending without touching the big health programs, particularly Medicare. Although raising the age of Medicare eligibility fr…

Grijalva opposes any cutbacks in entitlements

Rep. Raúl Grijalva pointed to new research about the impacts of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid in Arizona to say the programs shouldn't be on the table in debates about deficit reduction and the debt ceiling.

Deadline is midnight Fri. to change Medicare plan

Friday at midnight is the enrollment deadline for anyone on Medicare who wants to change plans.

Providence CEO McCusker to step down by year's end

started Providence Service Corp. in 1996, The firm is listed on Nasdaq.

Providence CEO McCusker to step down by year's end

Fletcher McCusker, founder, chairman and CEO of Tucson-based Providence Service Corp., will retire from the company by the end of the year to pursue other interests - including his efforts to boost downtown redevelopment.

Deadline nears for Brewer action on health overhaul

PHOENIX - Gov. Jan Brewer is being pulled one way by major business groups and another by fellow conservatives as she faces a fast-approaching deadline to decide whether to implement a key part of the federal health-care law.

Medicare website finds best Rx plan

A touted new low-premium Medicare prescription plan isn't available in Southern Arizona, but there's an online tool that can help local beneficiaries find affordable alternatives.

Seniors advised to study up before picking Medicare plan

Anyone who is new to Medicare or wants to switch Medicare plans has until Dec. 7 to enroll, and experts say enrollees must do their homework to avoid hidden costs.

In CD2, Barber, McSally clash on federal role in education

At the University of Arizona, Democrat Ron Barber and Republican Martha McSally square off in a debate in their campaign for a seat in Congress representing District 2. Education was a hot topic in Tuesday's debate.

In CD2, Barber, McSally clash on federal role in education

Ron Barber said it was "hard to keep up" with what he called his opponent's frequent position changes. Martha McSally alleged "distorting positions, taking them out of context and mudslinging and scare tactics."

In CD2, Barber, McSally clash on federal role in education

The contenders for Congressional District 2 wrangled about the federal government's role in education during a debate Tuesday in Tucson.

Privatized Medicare would raise premiums, study says

WASHINGTON — Nearly six in 10 Medicare recipients would pay higher premiums under a hypothetical privatized system along the lines of what Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has proposed, according to a study released Monday.

Law & Order Briefs

Single-car rollover kills 1 on far east side

Vaccine clinic, Medicare talk to be held Sunday at St. Philip's

St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church is hosting two health-related events Sunday.

Blog: Get a flu shot with Mayor Rothschild

A free annual health fair that starts at 9 a.m. at the downtown Tucson Armory Park Senior Center tomorrow - Thursday Oct. 4 - will include a flu shot clinic.

AARP seeks to fill Arizona president post

AARP Arizona is seeking applicants to fill the volunteer leadership post of state president.

Planned US cuts imperil AZ health jobs

WASHINGTON - Arizona could lose more than 9,800 health-care and other jobs next year if a 2 percent cut in Medicare takes effect Jan. 2 as part of the $1.2 trillion federal budget "sequestration," a new report claims.

Report: Medicare cuts would cost Ariz. thousands of jobs

WASHINGTON — Arizona could lose more than 9,800 health-care and other jobs next year if a 2 percent cut in Medicare takes effect Jan. 2 as part of the $1.2 trillion federal budget “sequestration,” a new report claims.

Brewer: Letter supports denial of public benefits

PHOENIX — Gov. Jan Brewer says she’s found support for her executive order that denies public benefits for people who qualify for the deferred deportation policy.