Ironically, the industry's cry that liability will raise costs assumes that health plans are very negligent and that patients suffer real harm. Don't fall for the industry's rhetoric. External review is essential, but it cannot substitute for legal rights. Managed care is fighting accountability, proposing instead that patients who have been unfairly denied health care be limited to external appeals. External review is simply not enough to protect patients against the worst managed care abuses.
Accountability is the ultimate deterrent and is an essential last resort when all else fails.
Only legal accountability gives injured patients what they need to ensure that managed care does the right thing and puts patients first. We urge you to give Americans the tools they need to take care of themselves and their families. Support legislation that allows patients to enforce their rights to medical care.