[FOLLOWING IS THE PERIODIC BRIEFING SENT BY THE WHITE HOUSE TO ITS OFFICIALS AND OTHER SUPPORTERS OF ITS HEALTH-CARE REFORM PLAN. THIS PERIODIC DOCUMENT GIVES A GLIMPSE OF THE ADMINISTRATION'S EFFORTS TO PROMOTE ITS HEALTH PLAN. IF YOU DO NOT CARE TO READ IT, NOTE THAT IT WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE SUBJECT: Health Care Reform Today , SO YOU CAN EASILY SKIP READING IT. -- Steve Freedkin, list administrator] The White House Health Care Reform Today October 18, 1993 * This week, we will focus on preventive care and women's health concerns. Key points to talk about: * The Health Security plan will cover a schedule of preventive screenings, tests, and checkups covered in only a few of today's health insurance policies. These include regular mammograms for women with a close family history of breast cancer and will be covered under the regular cost sharing provisions, like other medical procedures. * The nationally guaranteed comprehensive benefits package will also include free coverage for mammograms every two years for women over age 50 free-of-charge--no matter which plan someone chooses, as an extra incentive for those most at risk. * Preventive services included in the comprehensive benefits package are provided at ages specified by the report of the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force. These recommendations can be modified by the National Health Board as new information becomes available. * New research initiatives will concentrate on child health (including birth defects, prenatal care, and adolescent health), and illnesses that primarily strike women -- including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and osteoporosis. * Medical research initiatives will be expanded to include efforts to isolate and cure diseases such as breast cancer and cervical cancer.