New reports on cancer tests complicate health debate Nov 21, 2009
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the mammogram recommendation "does not determine what services are covered by the federal government.". The Associated Press contributed to this story. (The Palm Beach Post)
Schwarzenegger visits state's Capitol Hill Dems Nov 21, 2009
Earlier, the governor held a 90-minute meeting with Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt to discuss how the federal government can help with Schwarzenegger's proposed health care plan. On Monday, Schwarzenegger met briefly at the White House with Bush and attended a session with the president and a larger group of governors and state leaders in town for the annual winter meeting of the National Governors Association. (Yahoo News -- Arnold Schwarzenegger)
COLUMN: Task force puts boobs front and center for public conversation Nov 21, 2009
On Wednesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said women should continue getting mammograms starting at age 40. That s what the American Cancer Society has long advocated as well. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
GOP seizes mammogram issue Nov 21, 2009
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has said the mammogram recommendation "does not determine what services are covered by the federal government.". Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus said the Senate health-care bill he authored "doesn't do one single thing to change current law related to the way coverage decisions are made.". (AZCentral -- News)
Task force stands by screening advice Nov 20, 2009
19: After days of concern, criticism and controversy over the new breast cancer guidelines, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says women should keep doing what theyve been doing ... On Wednesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius tried to ease the furor that has erupted since the panel issued its recommendations Monday ... 18: Many women were confused Wednesday by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius' statement urging them to disregard... (MSNBC -- Health)
Government announces ban on ephedra Nov 20, 2009
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson says sales of the dietary supplement ephedra will be banned. RELATED. (Yahoo News -- Ephedra)
N.H., Maine failed to create realistic budgets Nov 20, 2009
He said with 50 percent of general fund revenue earmarked for state aid to education and 30 percent to the Department of Health and Human Services, "it's not hard to see where the cuts are going to fall." He added, "It shoves the problem down to the local level.". The true problem with poor revenue projections, beyond gaining legislative support for faulty budgets, is the need to make unplanned cuts. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
GOP Govs Excited About 2010 Comeback Nov 20, 2009
And in Kansas, Democratic Gov. Mark Parkinson is stepping down after filling the post when Obama chose Kathleen Sebelius as his Health and Human Services secretary; Sen. Sam Brownback is the GOP candidate and is widely expected to win. (Newsmax)
Opinion:Breast advice accurate, but that doesnt make it right Nov 20, 2009
That was the sound of Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius throwing her scientists under a bus. Earlier this week, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the government's major medical advisory panel, announced that for women under the age of 50 who were not in a high risk group for breast cancer. (MSNBC -- Health)
Life Group Condemns Reid Bill's Abortion Coverage Nov 20, 2009
The Reid bill establishes a big new federal health insurance program, the public option (although now referred to in Reid's bill as the 'community health insurance option')," Johnson wrote. "The bill authorizes (on page 118) the federal Secretary of Health and Human Services to require coverage of any and all abortions throughout the public option program. This would be federal government funding of abortion, no matter how hard they try to disguise it. (Newsmax)
A look inside the task force Nov 20, 2009
Despite it being a federal advisory board, doctors and scientists on the task force "do not set federal policy and they don't determine what services are covered by the federal government," Health and Human Services Secretary said Wednesday. "The task force has presented some new evidence for consideration, but our policies remain unchanged," she said. (CNN)
Mammography: What to Do Now? Nov 20, 2009
On Wednesday, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius issued the following statement on the new screening recommendations ... Nov. 18, 2009, news release, Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. (MEDLINEplus)
Insurance Companies Will Pay for Mammograms Nov 20, 2009
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius tried to ease women's fears by affirming her support for mammography and noting that government policy won't change. Medicare is required by law to cover one mammogram for women from 35 to 39 and annual screenings after that. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
'Ignore Them': Which Hospitals Are Skipping New Mammogram Rules? Nov 20, 2009
Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius distanced the Obama administration from the recommendations that. Sebelius told women confused by the recommendations, which run counter to nearly all major cancer organizations to "keep doing what you are doing. ". (ABC News)
Services Held For Another Soldier Killed At Fort Hood Nov 20, 2009
Ellen Schmeding, assistant deputy director for the county's Health and Human Services Agency, said Gaffaney was a strong leader. He is survived by a wife and a son. (KWTX.com, TX)
'I want my mammograms!' Nov 20, 2009
The task force recommendations are not government policy, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says. Sebelius says the doctors and scientists on the task force "do not set federal policy, and they don't determine what services are covered by the federal government.". (CNN)
Rationing's First Step Nov 20, 2009
Just six months ago, the panel, which works under the Health and Human Services Department as a "best practices" study group, was shouting its concern about a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study showing a 1% drop in the number of women regularly undergoing such screening and prevention. The task force was saying that women older than 40 should get a mammogram every one to two years. (Investors Business Daily)
New twist on government control of data: use of subpoenas Nov 20, 2009
In March 2003, it issued a broad executive order that extended the authority to classify information from agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency. It's also extended the time information could be kept secret, from 10 years to 25 years. (Yahoo News -- Privacy Issues)
New findings suggest strategy to help generate HIV-neutralizing antibodies Nov 20, 2009
The National Institutes of Health (NIH)The Nation's Medical Research Agencyincludes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments and cures for both common and rare diseases. (EurekAlert!)
Death Of 4-Month-Old Girl Linked To Swine Flu Nov 20, 2009
The infant had no known underlying medical conditions, according to the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. The child, identified as Paulina Martinez, lived in Oak Park with her parents and four siblings. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Mammography Debate Puzzles Many Nov 20, 2009
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told CBS News, "Our recommendations really are do what you've always done, read the task force report, but then talk to your doctor.". Sebelius says the panel will not dictate policy or determine what services are covered by the government. (CBS News)
More than $98 billion in improper gov't payments Nov 20, 2009
In the 2009 report, the government officially reported questionable Medicare payments of roughly $36 billion, but that amount will be revised upward to about $48 billion next year as the Health and Human Services Department fully converts to a new methodology that imposes stricter documentation requirements ... Health and Human Services: $55. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
FDA requests more details on HGSI anthrax drug Nov 20, 2009
So far, the Department of Health and Human Services has bought 65,000 doses of raxibacumab to be delivered to the national stockpile by the end of 2012. Human Genome Sciences, which will already receive more than $300 million in sum for those two orders, was to pocket another $10 million from the government if the drug won FDA approval. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Doctor On Panel Stands By Mammogram Advice Nov 20, 2009
On Wednesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius tried to ease the furor that has erupted since the panel issued its recommendations Monday. She said the task force does "not set federal policy and they don't determine what services are covered by the federal government." She advised women to "keep doing what you've been doing for years -- talk to your doctor about your individual history, ask questions, and make the decision that is right for you.". (Click2Houston, TX)
Household Hazardous Waste Center director helps put county on the map with national spotlight on local drug take-back Nov 20, 2009
After meeting with law enforcement, health and human services, disposal companies and many others the county's unwanted meds disposal program was first implemented at the government center via a secure drop-box in 2007. It has expanded to include a drop-off at North Branch Police department. (Lindstrom Chisago County Press, MN)
Health experts issue warnings about Lake Gaston fish Nov 20, 2009
North Carolina s advisory comes from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The fish around the state are tested routinely, states Dr. Douglas Campbell, Head of the Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch of the North Carolina Division of Public Health. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Health Department giving out H1N1 vaccines as fast as town receives them Nov 20, 2009
Unlike health officials in some other towns, Director of Health and Human Services Director Christine Connolly Sharkey has opted not to surplus the limited supply of H1N1, or swine flu, vaccines. Instead, Sharkey is giving them out as fast as the town receives them, but that isn t fast enough, she said. (Arlington Advocate, MA)
Lawmakers leave Patrick, bills waiting Nov 19, 2009
All told, it means Patrick may have to make $225 million in additional cuts in the areas that he can reduce without legislative approval, with the bulk probably coming from health and human services. Lawmakers also did not go along with several other proposals Patrick put forward as part of his emergency budget bill, including allowing cities and towns to install cameras at stop lights to better catch and fine traffic violators, and the elimination of two controversial paid holidays for certain... (Boston Globe)
Hospitals tighten security on patient data Nov 19, 2009
The law also requires providers to notify the Health and Human Services Department of all data breaches and to call media outlets if more than 500 residents in an area are affected. As a result of the HITECH Act, 57 percent of the survey respondents said they would make additional investments in security tools or technologies, according to the survey by Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Analytics released Nov. 17. (FCW.com)
Senate, House Democratic health bills compared Nov 19, 2009
GOVERNMENT-RUN PLAN: A new public plan available through the insurance exchanges would be set up and run by the secretary of Health and Human Services. Democrats originally designed the plan to pay Medicare rates plus 5 percent to doctors. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
HHS to warn consumers of flu drug price gouging Nov 19, 2009
By Alison Young, USA TODAY The Department of Health and Human Services will issue consumer warnings about price variations for a scarce liquid form of the flu-fighting drug Tamiflu, a spokesman said Wednesday. The Department of Health and Human Services will issue consumer warnings about price variations for a scarce liquid form of the flu-fighting drug Tamiflu, a spokesman said Wednesday. (USA Today -- News)
Study suggests costs rise under health care bill Nov 19, 2009
The analysis was issued by Richard Foster, the chief actuary at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, which is part of the Health and Human Services Department. The study was conducted at the request of House Republicans, who quickly tried to turn it against the Obama administration. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Another Obama nominee faces tax troubles Nov 19, 2009
Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle withdrew as a nominee to become Health and Human Services after it was disclosed that he failed to pay $128,000 in taxes. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Q&A: Explaining the new mammogram recommendations Nov 19, 2009
Medicare's mammogram coverage can be changed in one of two ways: Congress could pass a new law, or the secretary of Health and Human Services could change coverage, after consulting the head of the National Cancer Institute ... Although it's sponsored and funded by the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, doctors are not obligated to follow its recommendations. (USA Today)
Insurance will pay for breast screening Nov 19, 2009
Secretary of Health and Human Services tried to ease women's fears by affirming her support for mammography and noting that government policy won't change. Medicare is required by law to cover one mammogram for women from 35 to 39 and annual screenings after that. (USA Today)
EDITORIAL: Mammogram guidelines cause confusion for women Nov 19, 2009
But Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Wednesday said women should continue getting regular mammograms starting at age 40. 00002A6C The task force does "not set federal policy and they don't determine what services are covered by the federal government," Sebelius said. (Fresno Bee)
Government announces ban on ephedra Nov 19, 2009
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson says sales of the dietary supplement ephedra will be banned. RELATED. (Yahoo News -- Ephedra)
Hill Democrats Critical Of Bush's Budget Plan Nov 19, 2009
Health care was also a major topic in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt endured more than 2 1/2 hours of questions from Democrats complaining that the budget request would hurt children and the elderly and shortchange funding for research into cancer and other diseases. The lawmakers focused on Bush's proposal to increase funding for the state-federal Children's Health Insurance Program by $4. (Yahoo News -- U.S. Budget)
4-month-old SD County girl latest swine flu victim Nov 19, 2009
The county's Health and Human Services Agency announced the death Wednesday. The agency says the child had no known underlying medical conditions. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Chinas ascent traced back to Clinton-era trade deal Nov 19, 2009
China s ascent traced back to Clinton-era trade deal. 4:16 pm November 18, 2009, by Jay. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
COLUMN: Task force puts boobs front and center for public conversation Nov 19, 2009
On Wednesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said women should continue getting mammograms starting at age 40. That s what the American Cancer Society has long advocated as well. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
HHS chief reacts to mammo debate Nov 19, 2009
Washington (CNN) -- A federal advisory board's recommendation that women in their 40s should avoid routine mammograms is not government policy and has caused "a great deal of confusion," Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Wednesday ... Though the Preventive Services Task Force is independent, the Department of Health and Human Services' Web site calls the panel's recommendations the "gold standard," and insurance companies look to the panel for guidance on which... (CNN)
Schwarzenegger visits state's Capitol Hill Dems Nov 19, 2009
Earlier, the governor held a 90-minute meeting with Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt to discuss how the federal government can help with Schwarzenegger's proposed health care plan. On Monday, Schwarzenegger met briefly at the White House with Bush and attended a session with the president and a larger group of governors and state leaders in town for the annual winter meeting of the National Governors Association. (Yahoo News -- Arnold Schwarzenegger)
New twist on government control of data: use of subpoenas Nov 19, 2009
In March 2003, it issued a broad executive order that extended the authority to classify information from agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency. It's also extended the time information could be kept secret, from 10 years to 25 years. (Yahoo News -- Privacy Issues)
Congress Asks Why H1N1 Vaccine Ran Short Nov 19, 2009
"I don't think there's a smoking gun and I want to make that really clear. It is a very complicated process," Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Nicole Lurie said at the House Energy and Commerce Oversight Subcommittee hearing. "I don't think there's anybody to blame here," Lurie said. (ABC News)
EU pide ayuda a comunidad hispana contra... Nov 19, 2009
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on the swine flu. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh). (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Sebelius: Mammogram guidelines will not shape HHS policy Nov 19, 2009
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Wednesday stressed a new report casting doubt on long-standing mammogram guidelines would not shape White House policy. The task force -- which recommended last week that women begin breast cancer screenings at age 50, not at age 40 as many doctors have long suggested -- is "an outside independent panel of doctors and scientists who make policy recommendations," the secretary noted. (TheHill.com)
Dallas County pharmacies offer H1N1 shots Nov 19, 2009
This partnership allows Dallas County Health and Human Services to better serve the public by making the vaccine more available, said DCHHS Director Zachary Thompson in a statement. The county health department will continue to serve as the safety net resource for those who are unable to afford the cost of the vaccine at these pharmacy locations, Thompson said. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
The stress of harvest Nov 19, 2009
Midwest Producer: Serving Kansas ska Agriculture. by Loretta Sorensen, Midwest ProducerWednesday, November 18, 2009 10:35 AM CST. (Midwest Bulls Eye, NE)
Electronic Privacy Information Center: Privacy Nov 19, 2009
This version of the report was scanned by the Department of Health and Human Services, and is mirrored on the EPIC server ... This version of the report was scanned by the Department of Health and Human Services, and is mirrored on the EPIC server. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate Nov 19, 2009
Under a document signed in July 2009 by Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, vaccine manufacturers are granted legal immunity from any lawsuits that may arise. Why is it necessary to protect manufacturers if the vaccine is adequately tested and deemed safe. (The Seahawk, NC)
Local breast cancer survivor livid over federal recommendations Nov 19, 2009
Wednesday, the Health and Human Services Secretary said that's not the case, but one local doctor isn't so sure. "Hopefully, there will such a public outcry that insurance companies will still continue to cover these services, but we really don't know," said Dr. Deborah Rouse-Raines. (FOX19.com, OH)
H1N1 Vaccines Could Have Increased, Says Drug Company Nov 19, 2009
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services provided the drug company a contract in May 2006, to develop "an influenza cell culture vaccine and to develop and design a manufacturing facility for such a vaccine in the U.S.". Marburg, Germany currently has the drug company's othercell culture facility. (W-USA News, DC)
Women Advised To Get Mammograms Starting At 40 Nov 19, 2009
WASHINGTON (November 18, 2009)--Women should continue to get regular mammograms starting at age 40, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Wednesday in a statement aimed at easing confusion over a recommendation earlier this week from a government task force. The government panel said Monday that most women don't need mammograms in their 40s, and that they should get them only every two years starting at age 50, which is different from the longstanding position of the... (KWTX.com, TX)
Women need mammograms at age 40, Sebelius says Nov 19, 2009
18: Many women were confused Wednesday by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius' statement urging them to disregard new breast cancer screening guidelines ... WASHINGTON - Women should continue getting regular mammograms starting at age 40, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Wednesday, moving to douse confusion caused by a task-force recommendation two days earlier ... "VideoNov. 18: Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius talks to NBC's... (MSNBC -- Health)
Spotlight: New Mammogram Guidelines Nov 19, 2009
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius stated that the government's "policies remain unchanged." And most physicians say they will continue to recommend annual mammograms for women over 40. Meanwhile, thousands of women across the country have been left confused and anxious. (Time.com)
Sebelius: Women Should Get Mammograms by Age 40 Nov 19, 2009
Women should continue getting regular mammograms starting at age 40, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Wednesday, moving to douse confusion caused by a task-force recommendation two days earlier. Sebelius issued her statement following a government panel's recommendation on Monday, that said most women don't need mammograms in their 40s and should get one every two years starting at 50. (Fox News)
Stanford Grad Gives $33M For Stem Cell Research Nov 19, 2009
Women should continue getting regular mammograms starting at age 40, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Wednesday, moving to douse confusion caused by a task-force. Nov 18, 2009. (Yahoo News -- Philanthropy and Volunteerism)
Essex DA hosts annual policymakers breakfast Nov 18, 2009
Peggy K. Quigg of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will discuss national trends, as well as drug and alcohol prevention and treatment initiatives for young people. Essex County legislators, judges, chiefs of police, educators, mayors and town managers will be among those at the breakfast. (North Andover Citizen, MA)
Electronic Privacy Information Center: Privacy Nov 18, 2009
This version of the report was scanned by the Department of Health and Human Services, and is mirrored on the EPIC server ... This version of the report was scanned by the Department of Health and Human Services, and is mirrored on the EPIC server. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Government announces ban on ephedra Nov 18, 2009
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson says sales of the dietary supplement ephedra will be banned. RELATED. (Yahoo News -- Ephedra)
New twist on government control of data: use of subpoenas Nov 18, 2009
In March 2003, it issued a broad executive order that extended the authority to classify information from agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency. It's also extended the time information could be kept secret, from 10 years to 25 years. (Yahoo News -- Privacy Issues)
Task force urges cutting back on mammograms Nov 18, 2009
No changes are planned in Medicare coverage either, said Dori Salcido, spokeswoman for the Health and Human Services Department. Petitti denied that the panel was influenced by the health care reform debate or cost issues. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Hill Democrats Critical Of Bush's Budget Plan Nov 18, 2009
Health care was also a major topic in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt endured more than 2 1/2 hours of questions from Democrats complaining that the budget request would hurt children and the elderly and shortchange funding for research into cancer and other diseases. The lawmakers focused on Bush's proposal to increase funding for the state-federal Children's Health Insurance Program by $4. (Yahoo News -- U.S. Budget)
Schwarzenegger visits state's Capitol Hill Dems Nov 18, 2009
Earlier, the governor held a 90-minute meeting with Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt to discuss how the federal government can help with Schwarzenegger's proposed health care plan. On Monday, Schwarzenegger met briefly at the White House with Bush and attended a session with the president and a larger group of governors and state leaders in town for the annual winter meeting of the National Governors Association. (Yahoo News -- Arnold Schwarzenegger)
