"Relationship Between Number of Medical Conditions and Quality of Care," New England Journal of Medicine: The study analyzes the relationship between the quality of care patients receive and the number of chronic health conditions a patient has. Researchers also examine how this relationship is affected by characteristics of patients; use of health care, such as number of office visits and hospitalizations; and care provided by specialists (Higashi et al., NEJM, 6/14).

"Trends in the Golden State: Small-Group Premiums Rise Sharply While Actuarial Values for Individual Coverage Plummet," Health Affairs: The study determines affordability of small-group and individual health insurance plans in California from 2003 to 2006, building off previous work covering 1997 to 2002. The authors found that the plans became less affordable during the study period. The researchers conclude that policymakers need to address the issue of health insurance affordability as they try to expand health coverage to all U.S. residents (Gabel et al., Health Affairs, 6/14).

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