During our years of college, we anticipate the time when we can enter the workforce and begin our lives as responsible citizens. In being responsible citizens, we must consider our own health, and the health of our families and communities. During the initial search for employment, we eventually learn that an employers benefit plan which may include health coverage is a very influential factor on whether or not we will accept or deny a given position. Choosing a health plan that offers coverage that caters to you and your families' individual needs, access and selection of physicians, and the cost of care, are some variables in the health coverage equation. Some may think that they may not need the full support of a health plan until they begin having families of their own, but actually, in the case that one does become ill, it is essential that there is a health plan that would ensure that the best care possible is received. Unfortunately that isn't always the case. Acce!.
ss to health care coverage does not always translate into quality health care. .
Recently, there has been much attention placed on health care and patient protection by congress. .
Two bills were introduced that were aimed at resolving or aleviating the problems encountered by health care consumers in America. The two bills are very similar with the exception being the difference in a patients right to file lawsuit, and the amount one can sue for. The senate bill (S1052) was sponsored by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) , and Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) and was approved - with modification - by a vote of 59 to 36 on June 29, 2001. The House bill (HR2563) was approved on August 2, 2001 by a vote of 218-213 and was sponsored by Rep. Charles Whitlow Norwood Jr. (R-GA).
Without modification, the original bill offered patients increased medical coverage such as: a patient's right to see a medical specialist outside of their plan without incurring additional charges, prescription drug and emergency visit coverage.