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The Health Care Bill of Rights
The Health Care Bill of Rights is the first major legislation
in New York State to protect patients in their dealings
with HMOs and other managed care organizations, Its focus
is to assure that patients cannot be denied proper medical
treatment for their illness or access to physicians of their
choice, The legislation has passed the State Assembly and
is now before the State Senate.
Key Elements of the Health Care Bill of Rights
Disclosure About Benefits and Limitations
. Managed care plans would be forced to fully disclose which
services are covered and which are denied, They would also
have to disclose any requirements for patients to get plan
approval for visiting specialists or receiving treatment.
Financial Arrangements Must Be Revealed
. Managed care plans would have to reveal any financial arrangements
which might induce a health care provider to hold back on
giving tests, treatments or referrals to other providers,
In addition, plans would have to disclose how much money is
actually spent on medical care as compared to administration,
advertising, promotion and salaries.
Patients Must Be Told the Truth
. Managed care plans would be prohibited from attempting to
stop physicians and other providers from giving patients any
information they feel is necessary regarding treatment options,
In addition, plans would be required to allow patients and
physicians to appeal any decisions made by the plan.
Patients Must Receive Quality Medical Service
. Managed care plans must use quality standards developed
by licensed physicians. Plan decisions must be made by physicians
with expertise in the specific medical condition.
Patients and Health Care Providers Must Be Treated Fairly
. Managed care plans would be prohibited from terminating
a physician or other provider just because the tests or services
given are extensive or unusually expensive,
Who Supports The Health Care Bill of Rights?
The Health Care Bill of Rights is supported by The Campaign
for Quality and Choice in Managed Health Care, a broad based
coalition of patients, consumer groups, nurses, physicians,
dentists, health care providers and others concerned with
the health care delivery in New York State. Call your Senator
today .
Help pass the Health Care Bill of Rights by urging your
State Senator to support this critical legislation.
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