Alison Young Investigates

USA Today announces new investigative team

"Today, we're excited to announce that Alison Young, Brad Heath, Peter Eisler and Tom Frank will be joining the new investigative team. They will report to Blake Morrison, the investigations editor," USA Today editors announced in a staff memo.

Feds accuse Michigan Blue Cross of violating antitrust laws

The U.S. Justice Department on Monday sued Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, accusing the giant insurer of driving up health care costs by using anticompetitive tactics. The nonprofit insurer, the suit alleges, has put "most favored nation" clauses in its contracts that require hospitals to charge competing insurers as much as 40% more than they charge Blue Cross. In effect, Blue Cross is purchasing protection from competition, the suit contends, and a Justice official warns that any similar behavior in other states will also be challenged. Blue Cross says the suit is without merit. Read the full USA TODAY story at: Feds accuse Mich. Blue Cross of anticompetitive contracts

Healthcare.gov posts pricing, application denial rates

Millions of consumers who shop for health insurance policies in the individual market will get a tool today that will help them compare prices and see inside information on how often insurers deny applications for coverage. Consumers have never had access to information about how often insurers deny individual applications or add surcharges to base plan prices, said Karen Pollitz, deputy director of HHS' Office of Consumer Support during a preview Thursday for USA TODAY of the new features at www.healthcare.gov. Read more at: New website shows prices for individual health plans