Is your breast one size fits all?

How about an individual approach? The status of the Dem bill. From the Senate Republican Communications Center:

FACT CHECK: Mammogram Coverage Still At Risk

Mikulski Amendment “Doesn’t Specifically Address Mammograms,” Bill Still Enables HHS Secretary To Alter Coverage Based On Recommendations From The Same Group That Made The Controversial Mammogram Decision

SEN. SHERROD BROWN (D-OH): “It's Estimated 4,000 Breast Cancer Deaths Could Be Prevented Just By Increasing The Percentage Of Women Who Receive Breast Cancer Screenings. That's Why The Mikulski Amendment Is So Important.” (Sen. Brown, Floor Remarks, 12/2/09)

AP: “However The [Mikulski] Amendment Doesn’t Specifically Address Mammograms Or Spell Out What Additional Services Would Be Covered, Leaving That To The Discretion Of The HHS Secretary.” (“Tempers Flare As Senate Moves Toward Health Vote,” AP, 12/2/09)

IN DEM HEALTH BILL, THE HHS SECRETARY SETS THE STANDARD FOR PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE UNITED STATES PREVENTIVE SERVICES TASK FORCE

HHS Secretary May Modify Preventive Health Standards In Medicare Based On Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations:

“The Secretary May Modify The Coverage Of Any Preventive Service … To The Extent That Such Modification Is Consistent With The Recommendations Of The United States Preventive Services Task Force.” “SEC. 4105. EVIDENCE-BASED COVERAGE OF PREVENTIVE SERVICES IN MEDICARE. … Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, effective beginning on January 1, 2010, if the Secretary determines appropriate, the Secretary may (1) modify the coverage of any preventive service in subparagraph (A) of section 1861(ddd)(3) to the extent that such modification is consistent with the recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force.” (S.Amdt 2786 To H.R. 3590, “Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act,” P. 1189)

Preventive Services Task Force Will Set The Standard For Coverage Of Preventive Health Services:

“SEC. 2713. COVERAGE OF PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES. … A Group Health Plan And A Health Insurance Issuer Offering Group Or Individual Health Insurance Coverage Shall Provide Coverage For And Shall Not Impose Any Cost Sharing Requirements For ‘Evidence-Based Items Or Services That Have In Effect A Rating Of ‘A’ Or ‘B’ In The Current Recommendations Of The United States Preventive Services Task Force.’” (S.Amdt 2786 To H.R. 3590, “Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act,” P. 17)

Preventive Services Task Force Referenced 14 Times In Bill:

14 MENTIONS OF PREVENTIVE SERVICES TASK FORCE: (S.Amdt 2786 To H.R. 3590, “Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act,” P.17, P.1150, P.1176, P.1185, P.1186, P.1187, P.1187, P.1188, P.1189, P.1190, P.1190, P. 1223, P. 1224, P.1241)

UNITED STATES PREVENTIVE SERVICES TASK FORCE RECENTLY RECOMMENDED CUTTING BACK MAMMOGRAMS

“Most Women Should Start Regular Breast Cancer Screening At Age 50, Not 40, According To New Guidelines Released Monday By An Influential Group That Provides Guidance To Doctors, Insurance Companies And Policy Makers.” (“Panel Urges Mammograms At 50, Not 40,” The New York Times, 11/17/09)

· “Just Seven Years Ago, The Same Group, The United States Preventive Services Task Force, With Different Members, Recommended That Women Have Mammograms Every One To Two Years Starting At Age 40.” (“Panel Urges Mammograms At 50, Not 40,” The New York Times, 11/17/09)

P.S. UK CANCER DEATH RATE IS 38% HIGHER THAN IN US. Dick Morris. And LA Times: California Medical Assn. to oppose healthcare bill under debate in Senate