Senator Clinton Supports Legislation to Help Consumers
Navigate Bureaucratic HMO Maze
WASHINGTON - 03.28.01 | Today, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton announced her support for legislation to help consumers improve the quality of their health care by providing them with the tools that they need to navigate the increasingly complex health care system.
"As we work to expand health coverage for children and families, it is vitally important to improve the quality of coverage. All consumers should know what their rights are and how to access the care their families need," Senator Clinton said. "This legislation will help patients understand and protect their rights and responsibilities by empowering them with the knowledge they need to receive the best quality health care. And it will enable patients to avoid injury or dispute by resolving problems early in the process."
At today's Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee hearing, Senator Clinton discussed the need for legislation that arms patients with information on their rights and responsibilities as health care consumers. Senator Clinton is an original co-sponsor of legislation introduced by Senator Jack Reed to provide funds for states to establish ombudsman offices to help patients make sense of their options, rights, and responsibilities in an increasingly complex health care system.
"Health care consumers often feel powerless in the face of a complex and confusing array of options and regulations involved in their health care plans. This legislation gives them someone who will help them understand their rights and responsibilities as a consumer of the health care system and give them an advocate who can help them cut through red tape when problems arise," said Senator Reed.
"Consumers shouldn't feel lost in a confusing maze of HMO regulations," Senator Clinton said. "When it comes to health care, making sure people have access to quality care, without all the red tape, should be our goal."
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