Patient Protection Bills
Monday, September 27th, 1999 Liability Life & Health Workers' CompensationTwo federal managed care reform bills pending in the House of Representatives would allow employers to be sued over health insurance benefits in spite of the sponsors’ claims to the contrary, according to a legal analysis commissioned by the Health Insurance Association of America. The analysis, prepared by Washington attorney William G. Schiffbauer, examined H.R. 2723, introduced by Reps. Charlie Norwood, R-Ga., and John Dingell, D-Mich.; and H.R. 2824, cosponsored by Reps. Thomas Coburn, M.D., R-Okla., and John Shadegg, R-Ariz. (See NU, Sept. 20, page 3 for details on the bills.) The analysis found that the shield in both bills, which the sponsors claim would protect employers against lawsuits, would apply only if an employer gave up any involvement with any coverage decision.
