Lawmakers criticize managed care ads
Washington -- A television ad campaign paid for by the American Assn. of Health Plans has attracted the wrath of several members of Congress who object to the group's introduction of the medical errors issue into the patients' rights debate.
"By attempting to undermine patient confidence in the entire American health care system, this campaign has proven beyond all doubt that we deal with an industry that puts profit above the lives of patients," said Rep. Charles Norwood, DDS (R, Ga.), a prime sponsor of the House-passed patients' rights bill.
Joining Dr. Norwood for a press conference were: Reps. Greg Ganske, MD (R, Iowa), and John Dingell (D, Mich.), who both helped draft the House bill; and Reps. Rosa L. DeLauro (D, Conn.), Frank Pallone Jr. (D, N.J.), Shelley Berkley (D, Nev.) and Martin Frost (D, Texas). The lawmakers' criticisms followed on the heels of similar objections to the ads by the AMA, American Hospital Assn. and American Nurses Assn.
Congressional negotiators are attempting to craft a compromise between the House bill and a very different measure passed by the Senate. Negotiators missed the first self-imposed deadline of March 31, and it appeared doubtful they would meet the April 15 deadline set by Sen. Don Nickles (R, Okla.), who heads the negotiating team.
Negotiators have yet to begin debate on two of the most contentious issues: whether individuals should have the right to sue their health plans and the number of people to be covered by the legislation.
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