WASHINGTON, April 21 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The following was released today by The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights:
Hidden in a U.S. Senate bill by Senator Michael Enzi (R, Wyo.) establishing federal association health plans is a provision that will strip an individual's right to sue their insurer, according to analysis released today by the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR).
The bill, S. 1955, would extend the so-called "ERISA pre- emption" to any individuals who buy health insurance through professional associations. As a result, individuals who purchase these health insurance plans will lose their right to sue for damages if they are harmed by an insurer's decision to limit access to medical treatments. The legislation would also override hard-won Patients' Bill of Rights legislation passed in 41 states, state health insurance coverage requirements and other patient protections.
In his book, "Making A Killing," FTCR president Jamie Court writes about a secret Aetna training video where executives teach new hires to quickly deny insurance claims brought by those who cannot sue their insurer. See chapter 5, page 123-127. The book is available on-line at
http://www.makingakilling.orgAccording to the video, when faced with claims for identical medical problems, Aetna separates the claims where no damages are available -- those subject to the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA - from non-ERISA claims, where consumers can sue for damages. For more information see:
http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/healthcare/fs/?postId=984http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=64343Other news on this from google alerts I get in my inbox:
Gov opposes federal health insurance bill
KTVZ - Bend,OR,USA
... urged the lawmakers to oppose the bill unless they can amend it to address his concerns. The measure (S. 1955), sponsored by Senator Michael Enzi of Wyoming ...
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International News Service - Sydney,Australia
... Slabotsky said Realtors support Senate Bill 1955, which creates major insurance regulation overhauls to make the legislation work with various state regulations ...
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International News Service - Sydney,Australia
Hidden in a US Senate bill by Senator Michael Enzi (R, Wyo.) establishing federal association health plans is a provision that will strip an individual's right ...
Patricia Finder-Stone: Health insurance bill not good for older ...
The Capital Times - Madison,WI,USA
... In a March 14 letter to the bill's sponsor, Michael Enzi, R-Wyo., Insurance Commissioner Jorge Gomez warned that SB 1955 would make insurance and currently ...
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