Legislative Background
Recent Action on Patients' Rights Legislation
With a growing number of Americans insured by managed carehealth plans, issues relating to patients’ rights and protectionshave risen to the forefront of health care legislation in Congress.So far, however, the debate has been characterized by sharp, partisandivisions on legislation that would address the concerns of themajor parties involved — consumers, health insurers, andemployers.105th Congress. The 105th Congress (1997 and 1998), considered but failed to reach agreement on managed care legislation that would give patients more rights with their health insurers. The Democratic proposals would have given consumers more access to specialists, emergency care, and an appeals process. It also…
