In addition to Norwood's bill, an opposing, insurance-industry backed bill has surfaced. Norwood's bill would allow employees to sue employers and benefit managers in state courts and recover damages, including punitive damages, applicable under state law for personal injuries incurred in connection to health plan services. But he also feels if health issues are important to the public agenda in 1998 that could affect the election outcome, it is likely to act on some form of legislation. Proponents of Norwood's bill, he said, had best be prepared to fight an intense battle against its opponents whose claim will be that putting regulations in place will increase costs, and are also unnecessary because managed care will act voluntarily. Several months ago, Rep. Ted Strickland, Ph.D., the Ohio Democrat, predicted that managed care reform would be high on the congressional agenda in 1998.
People believe something is broken and needs to be fixed.
Members of Congress campaigning without addressing the public demand to fix this will be at a disadvantage. Now even some Republicans are recognizing that a market-driven approach just doesn't work. For over 20 years, the managed care industry has enjoyed a free ride, a ride that has cost the consumer both life and limb. Health insurance plans can be sued for damages caused by their decisions. People would have the freedom to go to the emergency room without having to ask permission from their insurance company.