As Obama's reported pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services, the former South Dakota senator returns to an issue that has long been his passion

Major drug makers want their voices heard as U.S. Democrats, traditionally critics of the industry, start crafting plans to expand health insurance coverage and cut the escalating costs of care.

The health insurance industry said Wednesday it will support a national health care overhaul that requires them to accept all customers, regardless of pre-existing medical conditions — but in return it wants lawmakers to mandate that everyone buy coverage.

Transition team sources say former Democratic Senate leader from South Dakota is president-elect's choice to head Health and Human Services.

An official with President-elect Barack Obama's transition team says former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle will oversee Obama's health policy working group.

Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle is President-elect Barack Obama's choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, an appointment that many Democrats predict will greatly help with efforts next year to overhaul the health care system.

Tom Daschle, the former South Dakota senator, has accepted Mr. Obama?s offer to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, Democrats said.

A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that health care workers are more likely to die from bloodborne infections and related illnesses than people working in other occupations.