WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Foodborne illnesses cost the United States $152 billion in health-related expenses each year, far more than prior estimates, according to a study released by consumer and public health groups on Wednesday. Food safety advocates are hoping the study will boost efforts in Congress to overhaul the nation's antiquated food safety system that has seen consumer confidence plunge ...

The top Democrat on the Senate health committee says insurance companies who refuse coverage to people with pre-existing medical conditions are engaging in discrimination. Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa told participants at the White House's health summit that such refusals are akin to racial discrimination that was legal during parts ...

Pressing a key argument of President Barack Obama, Sen. Tom Harkin has told lawmakers at a health care summit that a step-by-step legislative response to the problem wouldn't bring about genuine reform. The Iowa Democrat likened the incremental approach urged by Republicans to a swimmer ...