Sebelius: 'End-of-life' should be covered

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says she hopes coverage for end-of-life counseling emerges from health reform efforts.

Blasting Republican opponents who say that such counseling amounts to government-appointed "death panels" that would condone euthanasia, Sebelius, appearing Sunday on ABC's "This Week," said families faced with painful decisions on dying loved ones deserve to have talks with doctors covered.

"Nothing could be further from the truth that there's somehow a 'death panel,'" Sebelius said. "If anything, you know, seniors should welcome the fact that doctors would have a payment provided to sit down with family members, if they choose, and have a discussion."

Citing the case of her own mother, whom she said "spent 10 weeks in three different hospitals before she died," Sebelius said, "I'm hoping that, at the end of the day, that it will be part of the overall package, because it's one of the most important conversations a family may ever have."

She added, "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."