Children's crusade

There's at least $16 billion available to help more children get health care. But on Capitol Hill, there's a bitter dispute over how the money should be spent. Give the states the money, some say, and let them bolster novel health care programs such as Florida's Healthy Kids. Others want to expand Medicaid.     

No strings attached!

Many governors want to convert medicaid to a block grant and do away with the myriad federal rules that have vastly expanded the program's reach in recent years. Congress may oblige them. But groups that fought for the rules aren't going to sit still.     

Medicare: round two

The stakes have risen in the fight to save medicare from demise at its own hands. The program could go bankrupt as early as 2001, and campaign rhetoric may have harmed chances for bipartisan cooperation. Here's a look at some key administration, congressional and health care players in next year's second round.     

Vital parts

As the demand for organ transplants has grown, a shortage of hearts, kidneys, lungs and other vital organs has developed. Government and health officials have been forced to ration these vital organs. But what's fair? Who should be helped first--the sickest or those who have waited longest for help?     

Reining in the HMOs

As managed health care proliferates, states are enacting laws to ensure patients' access to specialists and treatment information, among other protections. Congress is following suit. Managed care plans have gone along with the changes to an extent but fear over-regulation.