<p class="source">Associated Presss</p>
<p>SACRAMENTO (AP) -- Health maintenance organization patients could not be forced to take their disputes to arbitration instead of court under a bill that has passed its first test in the Assembly.</p>
<!-- excerpt --><p>The little told story of the true balance of power in American politics is that even when big corporations lose legislatively they get another bite at the apple by using their considerable money and might in the regulatory process to foil reforms.</p>
<p class="source">Modern Healthcare Magazine</p>
<p>fter calling a year ago for the dismissal of Richard Huber, chief executive officer of Aetna U.S. Healthcare, the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights had second thoughts.</p>
<p class="source">San Diego Union Tribune</p>
<p>As quickly as the offer from the parent company of Wellpoint Health Networks Inc. to Aetna Inc. was announced this week, the opposition to the proposed deal was being heard.</p>
<!-- excerpt --><p>Contrary to the implications of the Health Plans' statements, we believe your constituents should never have to choose between access to health coverage and the right to trial should an HMO injure them.</p>
<p class="source">LA Times</p>
<p>Medical insurance giant Aetna Inc., its own health faltering amid a growing public outcry over the managed-care industry, said Wednesday that it had received a $ 10.3-billion takeover offer from a partnership that includes smaller rival WellPoint Health N</p>
<p class="source">Washington Post</p>
<p>Aetna Inc., the nation's largest health insurer, said yesterday that it had received a $ 10.3 billion joint buyout offer from WellPoint Health Networks Inc., a California-based health insurance company, and ING America Insurance Holdings Inc., part of a D</p>
<p class="source">Sacrmento Bee</p>
<p>A bill that would exempt California doctors in private practice from antitrust laws and let them link together to negotiate better fees from health insurers is shaping up as a feisty legislative battle.</p>
<p class="source">San Francisco Chronicle</p>
<p>California doctors would be able to escape antitrust laws and band together to negotiate fees and contract provisions with health maintenance organizations under legislation introduced Friday by state Sen. Jackie Speier.</p>
<p class="source">Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinel</p>
<p>Nancy Dunkle is a six-year survivor of ovarian cancer but an insurance company has decided not to pay for treatment that might help her live longer. Robert Dewey was ready for a liver transplant that might save his life but his HMO and his hospital co</p>