Health stories in the Seattle Times

People in state high-risk insurance plans often feel left behind

The federal health law set up new plans that are cheaper and more comprehensive than the older ones run by states but consumers need to go without insurance for six months to qualify.

Peeking in on your doctor’s notes

Although federal law guarantees patients the right to examine and get copies of their medical records, providers haven’t always made it easy to do so. But the movement to give patients direct access to their health information has picked up steam, and policymakers have encouraged it as a way to empower patients to help manage their health and their medical care.

Want to quit smoking? Your health plan may want to help.

Some companies are also penalizing employees who don’t give up cigarettes by hitting them with higher health insurance premiums.