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The state is close to having most of its eligible residents covered. But a failed website has delayed the processing of applications, and some of those waiting may yet decide not to buy health plans.

The state's death rate declined in the four years after Massachusetts passed a law requiring health insurance. The state's minority residents posted the biggest gains in life expectancy.

At last year's Boston Marathon, Carol Downing was just half a mile from the finish line when bombs exploded and injured two of her daughters. This year, she's returning to complete the race.

How much is that colonoscopy? Finding out can range from hard to impossible. Massachusetts now requires that health care providers give patients prices within two days. But that doesn't always happen.

Finding out how much an X-ray costs sounds like a simple question. But before Oct. 1, it was downright impossible to get an answer. Now, Massachusetts is pulling back the curtain on what has been a largely secret world of health care prices.

Dr. Donald Berwick ran Medicare and Medicaid right after the Affordable Care Act became law. Now he's running for governor of Massachusetts. But he hasn't left behind his work as a health quality oracle.

Some nursing home patients can go home again if they get the right, customized support. But making it happen takes time, even with organizational help from the pros. Some people need home renovations and rides to appointments. Others may need a guard dog � or a new home.

Smartphone apps can help count calories or detect a heart attack. People are embracing them to manage many aspects of their health. But medical apps are largely unregulated now, so there's no easy way to be sure which ones are trustworthy and which ones aren't.

Marc Fucarlie left the hospital this week, after 45 days of surgeries and skin grafts, induced comas and dozens of tests. His right leg was amputated and it's uncertain how functional his left leg will be. His rehabilitation will take years, and he's worried about how he'll pay for it.