Insurance costs, the Blues’ surpluses, and Blues’ merger explored

In a 5-day series of articles published by the Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice and the Sranton Times-Tribune, health reporter Daniel Axelrod has examined the problem of rising health insurance rates by focusing on the actions of Pennsylvania's nonprofit Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurers.

The articles include a variety of perspectives and a wealth of specific data.

Following is a list of articles:

Blues’ surplus, rates focus of critics’ complaints                                                                                                               Health care system rife with waste                                                                                                                                   Blues’ surplus debate spans several states                                                                                                                     What drives up health care rates?                                                                                                                                           By law, insurers must ask state for increase approval                                                                                          Proposed bill would create rate watchdog                                                                                                                      What is social mission of Blue Cross of NEPA?                                                                                                               Blue Cross will donate just 35 percent of $175M promised                                                                               Surplus-building by Blues sparks debate                                                                                                                    Merger decision could alter health insurance market