[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 83 (Friday, June 7, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            MAINTAIN STRONG PROTECTION MEASURES FOR PATIENTS

                                 ______


                        HON. PETER G. TORKILDSEN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 6, 1996

  Mr. TORKILDSEN. Mr. Speaker, as our country's health care system 
continues to evolve, it is essential to maintain strong protection 
measures for patients. As a cosponsor of the Newborns' and Mothers' 
Health Protection Act, the Patient Right to Know Act, and the Senior 
Citizens' Access to Health Care Act, I recognize the need to protect 
new mothers, senior citizens, and all patients from restrictions that 
undermine a physician's ability to provide quality care to their 
patients.
  To emphasize this point, I ask that this letter to the Honorable 
Michael Bilirakis, chairman of the Health and Environmental 
Subcommittee, from Massachusetts State Representative Brian Cresta be 
submitted for the Record.
                                           The Commonwealth of    
                                                    Massachusetts,


                                     House of Representatives,

                                         Boston, MA, May 28, 1996.
     Hon. Michael Bilirakis,
     Chair, Health and Environment Subcommittee, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Bilirakis: It has come to my attention that 
     the Coalition for Health Care Choice and Accountability has 
     decided to act upon the proposal for national standards for 
     accountable managed care. This is certainly an important step 
     toward ensuring that all U.S. citizens are allowed the 
     freedom to choose a health care provider when enrolled in a 
     managed care plan.
       As a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives 
     and an active member of the Committee on Human Services and 
     Elderly Affairs, I have received much input from my 
     constituency regarding issues such as this. Therefore, I am 
     no stranger to the problems that many people are facing while 
     accessing the best care within the restrictions of their 
     health plan.
       To ensure that residents of the Commonwealth are able to 
     receive fair and adequate health services, the Massachusetts 
     Legislature has passed landmark legislation to allow for the 
     coverage of emergency room services, protect hospital stays 
     for mothers who have given birth, and allow consumers the 
     right to full information about the health plan, to name a 
     few.
       Although I am certain that we will continue to work to 
     provide residents of Massachusetts with cost-effective care, 
     I am also aware of the importance of the presence of federal 
     laws to umbrella any laws passed at the state level. It is 
     important not only for Massachusetts alone but the entire 
     country to ensure that U.S. citizens who are managed care 
     enrollees are provided the opportunity to receive the highest 
     quality of care.
       This measure is a win-win situation for the industry, which 
     will have a consistent platform across the country rather 
     than different regulations from state to state and for the 
     consumer, by ensuring that high quality care is provided to 
     all managed care enrollees. For this reason, I support this 
     effort and appreciate your continuous work for better 
     national consumer protection legislation.
       Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any 
     questions regarding the present situation in Massachusetts or 
     if I may be of further assistance to ensure that this measure 
     is passed.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Brian M. Cresta,
     State Representative, 22nd Middlesex District.

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