Content about Kathleen Sebelius

August 28, 2012
HHS Secretary Sebelius speaks at CVS/pharmacy, MinuteClinic about new Medicare benefits

CVS Caremark and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have teamed up to increase awareness of the new services available under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. To announce the partnership and highlight new benefits and options for Medicare beneficiaries, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently visited a CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic in Jacksonville, Fla.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have teamed up to increase awareness of the new services available under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. To announce the partnership and highlight new benefits and options for Medicare beneficiaries, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius recently visited a CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic in Jacksonville, Fla.

May 23, 2013
More than half of doctor's offices adopt electronic health records

More than half of all healthcare providers who are eligible have received Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments for electronic health records, the Department of Health and Human Services said.

WASHINGTON — More than half of all healthcare providers who are eligible have received Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments for electronic health records, the Department of Health and Human Services said.

HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the department had exceeded its goal for 50% of doctor offices and 80% of hospitals to have EHRs by the end of the year. By contrast, the percentage of physicians using EHRs in 2008 was 17%. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 contained incentive programs for adoption of EHRs that went into effect in 2011.

April 5, 2013
District Court orders FDA to lift prescription restriction of Plan B One-Step for underage women

The Food and Drug Administration has 30 days to approve over-the-counter availability of the emergency contraceptive Plan B One-Step to women of all ages, according to a decision issued by Judge Edward Korman of the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York.

NEW YORK — The Food and Drug Administration has 30 days to approve over-the-counter availability of the emergency contraceptive Plan B One-Step to women of all ages, according to a decision issued Friday by Judge Edward Korman of the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York. In a second decision, Korman declined to intervene on Teva Pharma's behalf in extending patent exclusivity for Plan B One-Step. 

March 28, 2013
CDC launches second series of impactful 'quit smoking' ads

Continuing with the success of last year’s national education ad campaign, "Tips from Former Smokers," a second series of ads was launched Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ATLANTA — Continuing with the success of last year’s national education ad campaign, "Tips from Former Smokers," a second series of ads was launched Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

January 14, 2013
HHS proposes new rules for Medicaid, exchanges under ACA

The Department of Health and Human Services is proposing a new rule that it said would promote consistent policies and processes for eligibility notices in Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program and the health insurance exchanges mandated under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Health and Human Services is proposing a new rule that it said would promote consistent policies and processes for eligibility notices in Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program and the health insurance exchanges mandated under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

January 10, 2013
HHS announces 106 new ACOs, including three affiliated with Walgreens

Advocare Walgreens Well Network, Diagnostic Clinic Walgreens Well Network and Scott & White Walgreens Well Network have been selected as three of 106 new Accountable Care Organizations in Medicare, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Advocare Walgreens Well Network, Diagnostic Clinic Walgreens Well Network and Scott & White Walgreens Well Network have been selected as three of 106 new Accountable Care Organizations in Medicare, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced Thursday.

December 20, 2012
Advocacy group says proposed compounding regulations would endanger public health

An advocacy group said proposed Food and Drug Administration rules for compounding pharmacies would put the public's health and safety at risk.

WASHINGTON — An advocacy group said proposed Food and Drug Administration rules for compounding pharmacies would put the public's health and safety at risk.

In a letter sent to Department of Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Public Citizen criticized Food and Drug Administration commissioner Margaret Hamburg for "both undermining her agency's authority in congressional testimony last month and offering a plan that would effectively weaken the agency's oversight of drug manufacturing."

September 10, 2012
Raising the professional practice bar, one federal health campaign at a time

Pharmacists got another opportunity this month to show their skills and help ease the healthcare system's growing financial crisis and resource shortage. Will it move the needle on true health reform and the expanding pharmacy practice model?

Pharmacists got another opportunity this month to show their skills and help ease the healthcare system's growing financial crisis and resource shortage. Will it move the needle on true health reform and the expanding pharmacy practice model?

August 17, 2012
HHS secretary Sebelius visits Fla. CVS/pharmacy, gets BP checked at MinuteClinic

Department of Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius visited a CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic in Jacksonville, Fla., on Aug. 15 to highlight new benefits and options for Medicare beneficiaries that will help them stay healthier.

Department of Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius visited a CVS/pharmacy and MinuteClinic in Jacksonville, Fla., on Aug. 15 to highlight new benefits and options for Medicare beneficiaries that will help them stay healthier.

August 15, 2012
HHS partners with drug store chains to underscore Medicare benefits to seniors

The Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday announced partnerships with several pharmacies to help customers learn about new Medicare benefits available to them under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday announced partnerships with several pharmacies to help customers learn about new Medicare benefits available to them under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

These partnerships — with CVS Caremark, Sam's Club, Thrifty White, Walgreens and Walmart — will provide Medicare beneficiaries with a range of educational materials on newly available preventive services, as well as savings on prescription drug spending in the "doughnut hole" coverage gap.

July 31, 2012
HHS: 47 million women to gain greater access to preventive services beginning Aug. 1

As many as 47 million women will be gaining greater control over their health care and access to eight new prevention-related healthcare services without paying more out of their own pocket beginning Aug. 1, Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced Tuesday.

WASHINGTON — As many as 47 million women will be gaining greater control over their health care and access to eight new prevention-related healthcare services without paying more out of their own pocket beginning Aug. 1, Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced Tuesday.

“This law puts women and their doctors, not insurance companies or the government, in charge of healthcare decisions," Sebelius stated, citing regulations going into effect under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

July 24, 2012
Walgreens develops MTM for HIV patients in pilot with HHS

Walgreens on Tuesday announced plans to work with the Department of Health and Human Services on the development of a medication therapy management program to help improve outcomes for HIV patients.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Tuesday announced plans to work with the Department of Health and Human Services on the development of a medication therapy management program to help improve outcomes for HIV patients. The multiyear program will examine the impact of MTM intervention in the community pharmacy setting, with Walgreens anticipating to provide nearly $1 million in in-kind services.

April 3, 2012
FDA releases tobacco regulation draft guidance

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday released draft guidance that ultimately will provide the public with previously unknown information about the chemicals in tobacco products and help prevent misleading marketing about the risks associated with tobacco products, the agency said.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Friday released draft guidance that ultimately will provide the public with previously unknown information about the chemicals in tobacco products and help prevent misleading marketing about the risks associated with tobacco products, the agency said.

March 19, 2012
Affordable Care Act helped seniors, people with disabilities save more than $3 billion on Rxs

More than 5.1 million seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare saved billions on prescription drugs, thanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to Department of Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

WASHINGTON — More than 5.1 million seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare saved billions on prescription drugs, thanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to Department of Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

New data found that these individuals saved more than $3.2 billion on prescription drugs, while savings for seniors included a one-time $250 rebate check to those who hit the "donut hole" coverage gap in 2010 and a 50% discount on covered brand-name drugs in the donut hole in 2011.

February 9, 2012
Center for Reproductive Rights files to reopen 2005 Plan B contraceptive suit

The Center for Reproductive Rights on Wednesday asked a federal court to reopen its 2005 lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration for imposing age restrictions on emergency contraceptive drugs.

NEW YORK — The Center for Reproductive Rights on Wednesday asked a federal court to reopen its 2005 lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration for imposing age restrictions on emergency contraceptive drugs. Presently, emergency contraceptives, like Plan B One Step, are available behind a pharmacy counter for women 17 years and older but require a prescription for women under the age of 17 years.

January 20, 2012
Women's preventive care services to become exempt from cost sharing in August

Most new and renewed health plans will be required to cover preventive services for women without cost sharing starting in August, according to guidelines announced Friday by the Department of Health and Human Services.

WASHINGTON — Most new and renewed health plans will be required to cover preventive services for women without cost sharing starting in August, according to guidelines announced Friday by the Department of Health and Human Services.

HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the guidelines, part of the Affordable Care Act, saying that preventive services, including contraceptive services, would become available to insured women without co-pay, co-insurance or deductible starting Aug. 1.

December 7, 2011
HHS instructs FDA to decline proposal to move Plan B from BTC to OTC

The Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday denied a request made by Teva Pharmaceuticals to relax merchandising restrictions for the emergency contraceptive Plan B.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday denied a request made by Teva Pharmaceuticals to relax merchandising restrictions for the emergency contraceptive Plan B. Presently, Plan B can be sold without a prescription to women older than 17 years old but only in a pharmacy and from behind the pharmacy counter. Women younger than 17 years require a prescription to acquire Plan B.

November 30, 2011
Walgreens and HHS dispense more than $10 million in flu shots to uninsured

Walgreens on Wednesday announced it is offering more than $10 million worth of free flu shot vouchers to Americans without health insurance coverage.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Wednesday announced it is offering more than $10 million worth of free flu shot vouchers to Americans without health insurance coverage. The Department of Health and Human Services is assisting in the distribution of the vouchers in markets across the country.

November 28, 2011
Berwick steps down from post as CMS administrator

The Obama administration confirmed last week that Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Donald Berwick will step down from his post on Dec. 2.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration confirmed last week that Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Donald Berwick will step down from his post on Dec. 2.

Berwick, who was nominated to the position by President Obama in April 2010, was supposed to lead the agency through the end of the year as part of his recess appointment.

Marilyn Tavenner, CMS principal deputy administrator, will succeed Berwick, according to a statement made by Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

October 5, 2011
HHS secretary promotes flu preparedness by getting her flu shot at Walgreens

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius will receive her seasonal flu vaccine and will talk about the importance of prevention measures and flu season preparedness Wednesday morning at a Walgreens "health and daily living" pilot store in Chicago.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius will receive her seasonal flu vaccine and will talk about the importance of prevention measures and flu season preparedness Wednesday morning at a Walgreens "health and daily living" pilot store in Chicago.

The secretary also will tour the store with Walgreens president and CEO Greg Wasson, who will highlight the store's ability to offer accessible, preventive health services, such as flu vaccinations and diabetes care in underserved communities.

August 1, 2011
Affordable Care Act ensures women receive preventive services at no additional cost

New guidelines that will ensure women receive preventive health services at no additional cost were announced Monday by the Department of Health and Human Services.

WASHINGTON — New guidelines that will ensure women receive preventive health services at no additional cost were announced Monday by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Developed by the independent Institute of Medicine, the new guidelines require new health insurance plans to cover women’s preventive services, such as well-woman visits, breast-feeding support, domestic violence screening and contraception without charging a co-payment, co-insurance or a deductible.

July 12, 2011
HHS offers framework to establish Affordable Insurance Exchanges

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday proposed a framework to assist states in building Affordable Insurance Exchanges, state-based competitive marketplaces where individuals and small businesses will be able to purchase affordable private health insurance.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday proposed a framework to assist states in building Affordable Insurance Exchanges, state-based competitive marketplaces where individuals and small businesses will be able to purchase affordable private health insurance.

April 13, 2011
NACDS signs on for Partnership for Patients: Better Care, Lower Costs

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores said that it has signed on as a partner for a new public-private partnership, announced by the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, that seeks to improve patient health and lower healthcare costs through the use of community-based care transition programs.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores said that it has signed on as a partner for a new public-private partnership, announced by the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, that seeks to improve patient health and lower healthcare costs through the use of community-based care transition programs.

NACDS lauded the initiative's recognition of pharmacy's role in helping patients take their medications as prescribed.

April 8, 2011
HHS seeks to reduce health disparities

The Department of Health and Human Services on Friday launched two plans aimed at reducing health disparities.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Health and Human Services on Friday launched two plans aimed at reducing health disparities.

“For the first time, the United States has a coordinated road map designed to give everyone the chance to live a healthy life,” stated HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “We all need to work together to combat this persistent problem so that we can build healthier communities and a stronger nation.”

February 18, 2011
Industry advocates tout
 increase in generics use

Generic drug usage already has been on the rise year after year, with no sign of slowing down. As Jody Fisher, VP marketing for healthcare analytics at market research firm SDI, has told Drug Store News, generics accounted for more than 70% of products dispensed at retail pharmacies and are set to increase further this year.