Date: 1998-03-10
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Let me just quickly say that I am from Texas. It is not known to be a liberal State. As a matter of fact. we are kind of known to be a rather stubborn State. But one of the Republican leaders in the State Senate introduced and passed a bill to allow for HMOs to be sued. We have had a real fiasco in our State in how they have been able to function and the kind of quality that has virtually disappeared in health care. This was not brought forth by a liberal spending person. It was brought to the legislature by a very conservative Republican. because we have had probably one of the most unpleasant experiences in our State in dealing with our HMOs. We have had a number of. just a burgeoning number of complaints with them virtually having no way to do anything about it. I know this is not just my State. I believe this is happening around the country. I think that we have the responsibility to address these issues for the American people. During the district work period week of February 20. President Clinton issued an executive order directing all federal health plans. which serve over 85 million Americans. to come into compliance with his quality commissions consumer bill of rights. At the same time. many constituents asked me when Congress would follow the Presidents example and pass legislation that assures that the initiatives in his executive order for the patients bill of rights becomes standard for all Americans. Four weeks later. I still have to inform my constituents that the majority has not scheduled a vote on such an important matter. As a member of the democratic health care task force. I look forward to the challenge of ensuring that more than 160 million Americans in managed care plans get the quality care they deserve. with more choices. protections and freedoms. Some special interests wish to label reform efforts as more big government. Giving more choices and quality care to more consumers in not big government. it is a "patients bill of rights" that has people and their wellbeing in mind. One example of the problems Americans experience with managed care is illustrated by a Kaiser Family/Harvard University poll which found that threefifths of Americans feel managed care has resulted in doctors spending less time with patients. Americans are clear on the need for managed care reform. Congress should be clear on their commitment to enact it. The American people leave no doubt about their displeasure with health plans because of cost considerations and withholding important information from patients because of "gag orders." As a lawmaker. registered nurse and businesswoman. I know the benefits of not only protecting patients. but also giving them choices. Protecting patients and giving them choices are good policy. good health care and good business. This year. I will work to ensure that Con.gress answers the calls from Americans who are dissatisfied with their health care plans. It is important that Members of Congress from both parties work to provide Americans with a basic "patients bill of rights." I ask that the leadership in Congress answer the Presidents call. but more importantly. the American peoples call to pass a "patients bill of rights this year." If we do not act now. we are faced with the reality that millions of Americans in private health plans may never be assured that they will also have the protections that their counterparts in federal plans enjoy. I yield the balance of my time.