Politics. On Point.

From White House Press Release   U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius joined the NAACP on Wednesday in an online video conversation to discuss the benefits of enrolling in the Health Insurance Marketplace. During the Google+ Hangout , moderated by NAACP Senior Director of Health Programs Shavon Arline-Bradley, Secretary Sebelius addressed questions related to important Affordable Care Act deadlines, out-of-pocket expenses and health coverage for college students.   Secretary Sebelius also discussed the millions of people who could gain affordable coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. She highlighted the protections for consumers, including Insurance companies that can no longer charge women more or deny anyone coverage because of pre-existing health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.   “Those days are over. It’s a brand new day. And we’re in the middle of an open enrollment period right now so people ...

Health care law gives women control over their care, offers free preventive services to 47 million women Forty-seven million women are getting greater control over their health care and access to eight new prevention-related health care services without paying more out of their own pocket beginning Aug. 1, 2012, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today. Previously some insurance companies did not cover these preventive services for women at all under their health plans, while some women had to pay deductibles or copays for the care they needed to stay healthy. The new rules in the health care law requiring coverage of these services take effect at the next renewal date – on or after Aug. 1, 2012—for most health insurance plans. For the first time ever, women will have access to even more life-saving preventive care free of charge. According to a new HHS report also released today, approximately 47 million women are in health plans that must cover...

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will announce the new 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). USDA and HHS DGA policy document, is the federal government's evidence-based nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity. The policy document assists policy makers, nutrition professionals, food assistance program administrators, food industry, scientists and academics, and the nutrition-focused media with a consistent, science-based foundation for their nutrition efforts. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are reviewed and updated every five years by USDA and HHS as mandated by law . Consumer materials which support and reflect the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans will be released at a later date. The announcement will be made at GWU on Monday, January 31st.  It wi...