M.S. Waas

Reuters and Murray Waas received the gold award and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the silver award in the fourth annual Barlett & Steele Awards for Investigative Business Journalism, the Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism announced today.

Reuters' investigation led to government pressure and industry-wide changes in health-care practices.

GOLD AWARD: “Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Dropped by Insurer” by Murray Waas of Reuters received the top gold award of $5,000. A four-month investigation by Waas and Reuters revealed that a giant health insurer had targeted policyholders recently diagnosed with breast cancer for aggressive investigations with the intent to cancel their policies.

“Reuters and Murray Waas contrasted the upfront public stance of a health care company and its CEO to the reality behind the scenes.

Here’s a link to a PDF version of Reuters’ story: Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Dropped by Insurer (PDF).