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Summary
Congress is advancing a bipartisan patient bill of rights, focusing on managed care reform. Key debates center on allowing patients to sue their managed care plans, potentially leading to new legislation.
Area of Science:
- Health Policy
- Legislative Affairs
- Managed Care
Background:
- Managed care reform has faced significant legislative hurdles.
- Previous patient protection bills have encountered bipartisan disagreements.
- The need for patient rights within managed care systems remains a critical issue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the progress and key components of the Bipartisan Patient Protection Act of 2001.
- To identify the central points of contention in the managed care reform debate.
- To assess the likelihood of a patient bill of rights becoming law.
Main Methods:
- Review of legislative proposals and congressional actions.
- Analysis of bipartisan support and opposition.
- Examination of key provisions, particularly patient lawsuit rights.
Main Results:
- A new bipartisan bill, the Bipartisan Patient Protection Act of 2001, has been introduced.
- Strong bipartisan support exists for the bill, a contrast to previous efforts.
- Significant disagreement persists regarding provisions allowing patients to sue managed care plans.
Conclusions:
- The Bipartisan Patient Protection Act of 2001 represents a significant step in managed care reform.
- Resolution of liability reform issues is crucial for the bill's passage.
- A patient bill of rights is increasingly likely to be enacted into law.