Lee Terry: “this amendment is really rather simple. This Terry-Coburn amendment states rather simply that this broad antitrust…”

“this amendment is really rather simple. This Terry-Coburn amendment states rather simply that this broad antitrust exemption should be provided, not for fees, but only for the protection of patients. The AMA in our discussions has assured me that this bill that they support and want is not about money. In fact, they sent around a flier today to all of us saying it is about the patient, not dollars. So, in theory, they should support this type of an amendment that still protects their rights to negotiate the quality of patients' care, but not to collaborate on fees and increase the cost. I have met with several of the doctors back in my home district. They have shared with me that they want the ability to communicate and balance the table, to talk to the insurance companies about the quality of care, that they are concerned about being gagged in what they can and cannot talk to their patients about, or gatekeeper provisions, or medical necessity definitions. These are the types of things they would like to sit down and negotiate. I think we should allow them that type of opportunity, because that does go to the heart of the quality of patient care. So why are they against this amendment? Maybe it is about the money. Providing quality care should never take a back seat to cost or treatment. This amendment will assure that this bill remains focused on what we all want, and that is quality of care, and is not simply increasing the cost of that care.”