Bart Stupak: “the leadership of the majority in both the House and the other body have finally entered into the public discussion on…”

“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.”