Insurance news: NW effects of health-reform bill, docs swapping practices for prison, and a takeover bid by Steak n Shake

Here in the Pacific Northwest, KPLU has an interesting story about the local effects of the health reform bill being debated by Congress.

Speaking of which, the New York Times' Prescriptions blog has an update on the process leading up to a planned Senate vote tomorrow at 8 a.m. Eastern time.

The Associated Press says that the costs of the changes (like new taxes and fees, including a tax on tanning parlors) will be felt long before the benefits. The AP also has a good overview of the looming vote and the differences between the House and Senate, and between Democrats and Republicans. And a third story from the AP says that abortion looms as a possible health bill deal-killer.

CNNMoney profiles some doctors who are choosing the steady paychecks, set hours and free malpractice insurance from prison work over the private sector.

New Jersey's state Senate is pushing ahead with a bill to tighten oversight of insurers.

And in Michigan, a small insurer has rejected a takeover bid by burger chain Steak n Shake.