[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 15, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H5505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HEALTH CARE REFORM: PATIENTS' BILL OF RIGHTS IMPORTANT FIRST STEP

  (Mr. STUPAK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, the leadership of the majority in both the 
House and the other body have finally entered into the public 
discussion on the adoption of a ``Patients' Bill of Rights.''
  This is an important step because it is an acknowledgment by the 
majority that American families are demanding protection in their 
dealings with Health Maintenance Organizations. It is an important 
step, too, because the Republican proposals will give the American 
people a clear choice. They can choose a Republican plan which affirms 
the rights of patients to appeal, but which appeals fall on deaf ears; 
and without real enforcement provisions, the Republican plan simply 
moves the consumer's appeal on a denial of coverage up the management 
ladder to a fancier wastebasket.
  The Democratic plan, now that provides real enforcement. It gives 
you, the patient, the right to enforce all of the provisions of your 
HMO plan. That is why we need the Democratic Patients' Bill of Rights 
legislation. The Democratic proposal reaches beyond an election year 
quick fix to a fundamental problem by giving the consumers real power 
to enforce their plans.
  HMOs have moved into the business of prescribing health care. The 
Democratic plan makes sure the HMOs are held responsible for such 
decisions.

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