The White House Health Care Reform Today September 28, 1993 * To set the record straight: The Health Security Act of 1993 covers mammograms for women of any age whenever she and her doctor agree they are necessary or appropriate. For women over age 50 screening mammograms administered every other year are covered with no co-payment or deductible. This is based on a study by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which determined the best timetables for several types of screening tests. For women of any age who require annual screenings, mammograms will be covered just like any other diagnostic service if a physician finds them necessary or appropriate. Sunday, former NIH chief, Dr. Bernadine Healy questioned the plan's approach to such screenings. It is shameful that Dr. Healy would make this charge when the NIH, under her leadership, recommended this screening schedule. As a physician, she should be appalled at using fear to frighten women on this issue. And, she knowingly misquoted the Clinton plan. That must be the difference between being a doctor and being a candidate. * Those opposed to health care reform are making an argument that there will be a complicated new federal bureaucracy. It's just not true. The National Health Board will consist of seven members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The National Health Board will assume certain responsibilities for administering the new health care system, while existing federal agencies assume others. The Board will: * Sets national standards for state plans and ensures access to health care for all Americans. * Interprets and updates the comprehensive benefits and recommends to the President and Congress changes in the health care system. * Establishes a new performance-based quality management program and develops valid measures of health outcomes to be used in annual performance reports for health plans. * Develops and implements standards for a national health information system, using a public-private network to support quality improvement and collects enrollment data and comparative information about cost. * Implements the safety net of the national health budget. The Board will not have a large staff and it's power will be limited. It will set standards and let the market and private sector run the system.