 -- For Immediate Release --
For information call: 202-224-3041
 
-- For Immediate Release --
For information call: 202-224-3041 
GRAHAM, CHAFEE, BIPARTISAN GROUP UNVEIL 
H.M.O. REFORM PLAN 
Centrist Proposal Would Improve Health Coverage for Millions of 
Americans 
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Bob Graham (D-FL), John Chafee (R-RI), Joseph 
Lieberman (D-CT), Arlen Specter (R-PA), Max Baucus (D-MT), and Charles Robb 
(D-VA) today introduced bipartisan H.M.O. reform legislation which ensures that 
managed care patients receive the benefits and services to which they are 
entitled. 
"It is time that we put aside partisan bickering and restore public 
confidence in managed care," said Senator Graham. "Our bipartisan plan will 
protect the 161 million Americans who lack adequate managed care coverage. It 
ensures that patients receive the benefits and services they deserve."
The Chafee/Graham centrist plan has been praised by medical and consumer 
groups like the National Association of Children's Hospitals, American Cancer 
Society, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Physicians, and 
Families USA. It combines strong consumer protections with strong enforcement 
provisions and would:
  - Provide Strong Patient Protections For 161 Million Privately Insured 
  Americans 
  
- Strengthen Federal Enforcement To Make Managed Care Plans Play By The 
  Rules 
  
- Establish a Fair Appeals Process For Patients Denied Coverage For 
  Treatment 
  
- Guarantee That Patients Have Sufficient Information For Making Health 
  Choices 
Senate Finance Chairman William Roth has indicated that the 
Finance Committee will consider managed care reform legislation early this year. 
Chafee, Graham, Baucus, and Robb are all members of the Finance Committee.
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