Who you pick will say a lot about the way you see this issue at election time. But protecting these rights will cost money. Consumers have the right to get accurate, readable information about health plans, hospitals, doctors, and other health care providers. Some states publish comparative information, such as doctors' death rates for open-heart surgery or patient satisfaction with health plans. But no one has yet figured out how to do comprehensive report cards.
Consumers have the right to a network of high-quality health care providers.
If patients had more control, they might opt for specialty care more often. That could end up raising costs without necessarily improving patients' health. Consumers have the right to obtain emergency health care when and where it is needed. If chest pains turn out to be heartburn, you can end up with a big bill for emergency room visits. Patients might be more likely to seek unnecessary emergency room care if there is less of a chance they will have to pay for it.