Every day we count on them to provide an array of essential services, and we must not turn our backs on them. True accountability is also an essential component of meaningful managed care reform. Opponents of real accountability argue that patients who have been unfairly denied health care should be limited to external appeals. But external review is simply not enough to protect patients against the worst managed care abuses. A solid external appeals system must go hand in hand with accountability.
Accountability is the ultimate deterrent and 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 before it is too late. Such accountability also exists in all other sectors of our society, yet we continue to exempt health plans. Courts across the country have recognized the injustice of leaving patients with no remedy. We hope you will keep these concerns in mind as you complete the work of the conference, and we urge you to complete this work expeditiously. America is watching and time is running out.