The Private Healthcare Exchanges conference July 16-17 in Chicago will focus on how the Affordable Care Act is changing the way insurers sell health insurance.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Transparency Task Force, an internal group tasked with applying executive openness directives to the agency, will solicit public input in an open meeting. The task force is looking for suggestions on how the agency can better inform the public, and has specifically requested input on how it can better keep the public updated and informed about its internal processes, including decision-making on product approvals and recalls and enforcement actions. The task force is also soliciting suggestions on how to improve its internet tools and its responses to Freedom of Information Act requests.

The National Center for Health Statistics is tentatively set to release a report detailing long-term trends in health coverage in the United States, using data from the national health interview survey.

The National Center for Health Statistics is expected to release year 2008 estimates for 15 health measures, including "health status and disability, access to care, use of health services, immunizations, health behaviors, ability to perform daily activities, and mental health."

To access embargoed and password protected materials, reporters must contact the CDC/NCHS Press Room at 301-458-4800 or register with the NCHS Media Listserv. To register click here.

The National Center for Health Statistics is expected to release health insurance coverage estimates for 2008.