[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 102 (Monday, July 27, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1445]]



                     PATIENT PROTECTION ACT OF 1998

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 24, 1998

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to oppose H.R. 4250, the 
Republican Patient Protection Act. We have the opportunity to institute 
real change today, and to give the citizens of this country the peace 
of mind that comes with knowing that their health plan is working with 
them, not against them. In particular, we should act to protect and 
promote the interests of women's health. The Dingell/Ganske bill 
provides guarantees, the Republican bill offers HMO-controlled 
possibilities. I urge my colleagues to support the Democratic 
alternative, H.R. 3605, the Patient's Bill of Rights.
  Only the Democratic Patients' Bill of Rights would require health 
plans to cover a hospital stay of at least 48 hours for women 
undergoing a mastectomy, and at least 24 hours for women having a 
lumpectomy with lymph node dissection. Furthermore, only the Democratic 
Patients' Bill of Rights would require health plans that provide 
coverage for mastectomies to also cover prostheses or reconstructive 
breast surgery. The Republican bill would not allow patients to 
continue seeing their physician if that physician leaves the plan or 
their employer changes plans. The Democratic legislation would allow 
patients to continue treatment with their current physician for 90 
days, and longer for pregnant women. How can we tell a woman in the 
fourth month of her pregnancy that she has to find a new doctor if her 
current physician leaves her health plan? I ask you to consider the 
health of your wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters. I ask you to 
consider the health of your female constituents. Do you want health to 
be jeopardized or do you want to give them access to the health care 
they deserve?
  Mr. Speaker, perhaps the most fundamental aspect of the patients' 
rights debate is that of the gag clause. Simply put, patients should 
have access to all necessary information concerning their health and 
medical options. The Republican bill makes this promise, but offers no 
protection for providers from retribution from their health plan when 
dispensing this critical knowledge. Without this safeguard, the gag 
clause is truly an empty promise. Only the Democratic Patients' Bill of 
Rights makes this guarantee, the Republican bill does not. For my 
colleagues who are concerned with women's health and the basic premises 
of HMO reform, I again urge you to vote for the Dingell/Ganske bill.

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