Provide names of other journalists involved.
Not applicable.
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Sunday, April 1, 2012 Saturday, April 7, 2012 Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012 Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
As the insurance reporter at The Hartford Courant, I cover health insurers that have major operations in the state, including UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and Cigna. I also cover the industry they are in, the health policy that affects their business and the way it affects how people buy health insurance. This year was very newsy because of the U.S. Supreme Court decision, the election and insurers preparing for federal changes in health care law.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
I analyzed U.S. Census data for a story about the state’s Medicaid costs and also state financial information. I also regularly analyze U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission filings for companies, their earnings data and federal reports on the health care industry.
Explain types of human sources used.
I interviewed patients, insurance executives, state officials who oversee Medicare and Medicaid, lawyers, analysts and others in an industry that is tightly guarded.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
I have not had a correction or clarification in any of the stories entered here.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Be patient. This industry is immensely complicated, and it could take a career to understand.