In a partnership that appears to be the first of its kind, Anthem Blue Cross, a large California health insurance company, is teaming up with seven fiercely competitive hospital groups to create a new health system in the Los Angeles area.

In a midterm election year in which the political climate and map of battleground states clearly favors Republicans, many GOP candidates are nevertheless embracing some Democratic priorities in an effort to win over skeptical voters.

The Medicaid program, already the nation's largest insurer, has quickly added millions to its rolls since the start of Obamacare's coverage expansion.

Parker Conrad's start-up, Zenefits, is thought to be one of the fastest-growing companies in recent Silicon Valley history, and his investors and associates describe him as an uncommonly talented software visionary.

The federal health insurance website is trying to resolve glitches and security questions raised by the Government Accountability Office, so people can safely and successfully sign up for insurance at open enrollment Nov. 15.

Covered California continues to struggle with problems involving patient access. As the health exchange prepares for its second open enrollment, it is redoubling efforts to ensure that health plans provide accurate doctor lists and sign up enough health-care professionals to see patients in a timely way.