| FOR RELEASE: March 9, 1999 |
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Statement by Judith L. Lichtman, President
National Partnership for Women & Families
No longer can Congress ignore managed care's abuses. No longer can the managed care industry try to change the subject with misinformation and fear-mongering. America's women and families want real protections from health plans' arbitrary decision-making and unchecked power to withhold necessary care.
While a handful of managed care proposals have been introduced in the 106th Congress, only the Patients' Bill of Rights Act (S.6/H.R.358) would give patients the comprehensive protections they need and deserve. The Patients' Bill of Rights Act is the only proposal that enjoys the overwhelming support of concerned Americans and a broad range of organizations representing consumers and health professionals.
The House and Senate Leadership proposals take us in the wrong direction. They offer few real protections and would actually take away protections that patients in some states have now. Both bills protect profits, not patients, and allow insurance companies to operate with impunity.
The National Partnership for Women & Families applauds Minority Leader Daschle, Senator Kennedy, Minority Leader Gephardt, and Congressman Dingell for their continued leadership in ensuring that all Americans have access to a health care system that delivers the high-quality care people need. America's women and families deserve nothing less.
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The National Partnership for Women & Families, formerly the Women's Legal Defense Fund, is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that promotes fairness in the workplace, quality health care, and policies that help women and men meet the dual demands of work and family.
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