Some Programs OK’d By Health Law Lacking Funding

While the health care law has survived Republican efforts to repeal it, some of its individual initiatives are in limbo or limping along because of funding problems. 

The law authorized the new efforts but didn’t provide appropriations for them. That has to occur separately – and given current deficit woes, as well as wrangling between Democrats and Republicans, the programs might never get off the ground, some experts say.

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Consumers May Be Unaware Of Their Right To A Review Of Health Plan Decisions

Millions of Americans gained the right this year to appeal decisions made by health plans to an outside, independent decision-maker. But many of these consumers might not know they have the new option -- and when they find out, it might be too late.

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Gloria Reuben Reflects, Dr. Faucci Takes Stock and ADAP Waiting Lists Lengthen

Over 15 years ago a petite but powerful actor stormed into stardom with her sensitive and authentic portrayal of Jeannie Boulet—the first (and to date only) HIV-positive television character to appear regularly on American television, NBC's award-winning series ER. In the process Gloria Reuben, the actor who played her, catapulted out of the television and into the real world as a committed and dynamic AIDS activist. In this issue we ask Gloria Reuben about her experience playing Boulet and her thoughts about the 30^th anniversary of the epidemic.

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Gloria Reuben, Actor and AIDS Activist

Another installment in the series marking the 30th anniversary of the U.S. HIV/AIDS epidemic.

"You know, I think it's more vital that we talk about what's going on now," the actress Gloria Reuben says with slightly impatient amusement. But in recalling the part she played of physician assistant Jeanie Boulet -- as she says, "the first and only regular role on a network television show that was HIV positive" -- she remains astounded. Reuben started playing Boulet in 1995 on the award-winning NBC television series ER, and yet more than 15 years later, no other recurring HIV-positive role has shown up on American TV.

Read more: Gloria Reuben, Actor and AIDS Activist