Sadly,
Rep. Norwood Still Doesn’t Get It
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Richard Coorsh
October 6, 2000
(202) 824-1787
e-mail: rcoorsh@hiaa.org
The following statement was released today by Chip Kahn, President of
the Health Insurance Association of America (HIAA):
Sadly, Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-GA) still doesn’t get it.
Rep. Norwood’s latest final so-called "patients’ rights" proposal –
announced today – still would divert dollars for consumers’ care into the
coffers of the nation’s trial attorneys. It still would force consumers to
spend more money for health coverage by imposing additional federal
regulation upon their health plans.
Rep. Norwood’s proposal still would undermine the institution most
responsible for reducing the number of uninsured Americans – the
employment-based health insurance system. As noted in last week’s report
from the U.S. Census Bureau, "[e]mployment-based insurance, the leading
source of health insurance coverage, drove the increase in insurance
coverage rates."
Rep. Norwood still can’t get around the fact that his so-called
"patients’ rights" proposal would subject employers and health plans to
unlimited damages in both federal and state courts. And, Rep. Norwood
still cannot ignore that his attempts to limit the impact of multi-million
dollar damages awards – most of which would go to lawyers, not consumers –
are a chimera.
Exposing employers to the prospect of costly, crushing litigation
undoubtedly would compel many of them to stop offering health coverage to
their employees and dependents – thereby raising the number of uninsured
Americans. The most important "patients’ right" is the right to be
protected by affordable health coverage. Sadly, Rep. Norwood still doesn’t
get it.
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