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Contact:
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Robert Schmermund
(202) 857-3104
Jim Eberle
(202) 857-3145
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Jim Eberle
(202) 857-3145 (work)
(703) 893-2593 (home)
[email protected]
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For Immediate Release
July 31, 2001
#01-50 |
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E-mail:
[email protected] |
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PATIENTS’ BILL OF RIGHTS CARRIES HIGH COSTS FOR COMMUNITY BANKS, THEIR EMPLOYEES, TRADE GROUP TELLS CONGRESS
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Patients’ Bill of Rights legislation under
consideration by the House will carry a high cost for community banks with
self-insured health plans, and for their employees, America’s Community Bankers
told lawmakers today.
“We are particularly concerned about the extremely high level of
liability that employers with self-insured plans could incur under patients’
rights legislation,” ACB said in a letter to every member of the House.
“A small community bank simply cannot take that kind of risk.”
ACB said an important part of the liability issue is who decides what
treatments are medically necessary and whether a review can require treatments
not covered by the health plan. Because it will be virtually impossible to
determine the true costs of a health plan and price it accordingly, ACB said,
banks with self-insured plans could drop health coverage for their employees or
seek out an insurance company for coverage at a much greater cost to employers
and employee.
“Increased employer liability and extraordinary health insurance
costs inevitably will lead some community bankers to drop health insurance
coverage for their employees,” ACB said.
ACB urged members of the House to oppose legislation that would impose
excess liability, and support any amendment that would set “sensible
limits” on potential lawsuits.
The
letter is attached.
America’s Community Bankers is the national trade association committed to shaping the future of
banking by being the innovative industry leader strengthening the competitive position of
community banks. To learn more about ACB, visit
www.AmericasCommunityBankers.com.
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