And we asked Congress to allow the disabled to keep their Medicaid coverage if they go to work. On both counts, Congress failed to act. But America is not the kind of country that ignores the health of vulnerable people. Neither will we, and neither should Congress. For everybody who does have health insurance, Congress knows it cannot ignore the public demand for patients' rights and quality.
People have a right to the highest quality care.
They have a right to see a specialist when needed. They have a right to know all their medical options. They have a right to expect their health plan to keep its promise and not leave them stranded when they're sick or injured. And if the health care system does not guarantee these rights, they have a right to expect Washington to take action. Earlier this year, with the stroke of his pen, the President guaranteed a Patients' Bill of Rights to everybody in a federal insurance plan.