Joe Wilson: “as insurance premiums continue to rise, doctors, hospitals and other health care providers across the country have been…”

“as insurance premiums continue to rise, doctors, hospitals and other health care providers across the country have been forced to severely limit their practices or close their doors. Until we address this issue with commonsense reforms, many doctors will be unable to afford to serve their communities, and patients will find it increasingly difficult to obtain needed health care. Today, thanks to the strong leadership of my colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey), Congress has the unique opportunity to address the medical liability crisis occurring throughout our Nation. The HEALTH Act of 2005 safeguards patients' rights to care through commonsense reforms. First, it promotes the speedy resolution of claims and fairly allocates damages. Second, the HEALTH Act accurately compensates patient injuries and maximizes patient recovery. Finally, this legislation places reasonable limits on punitive damages and ensures the payment of medical expenses and respects States' rights. By passing the HEALTH Act of 2005, we will help ensure that doctors spend their time addressing the real needs of American patients. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11. ____________________”