Sebelius: In Wake Of ‘Death Panel’ Furor, End Of Life Provision Probably Off The Table

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Appearing on This Week with guest host Jake Tapper, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that a provision to require Medicare to reimburse doctors who provide end-of-life counseling probably won’t survive the legislative process.

“I think it’s really horrific that some opponents of the health reform bill have used this painful, personal moment to try and scare people about what is in the bill,” Sebelius said referring to politicians like Sarah Palin who falsely suggested that the government planned to create “death panels.” But, she added, because of their handy work, the end-of-life counseling provision “probably will be off the table.”

So now I guess granny gets to keep that freedom-loving privilege of paying for an optional end-of-life counseling session out her social security check. Thanks, GOP.

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