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--> --> There's glue in the pot for patients' rights When it comes to the U.S. Senate's tackling of a patients' bill of rights, it would serve all our politicos to check out some numbers. This country spends more per capita on health care than any other civilized nation - $4,200 per person in America. Canada spends $2,000 per person, France $2,200, Switzerland $2,400, Germany $2,300 and so on, according to the Institute for Public Accuracy. These statistics are even more lurid when we consider that 42 million people in the U.S. have no insurance at all, while the other countries mentioned cover the entire population. In general, the bill - sponsored by Sens. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., John Edwards, D-N.C. and John McCain, R-Ariz. - addresses HMO horror stories by imposing new rules on insurance plans, such as access to emergency care, specialists such as obstetricians and gynecologists and hospital stays for mastectomies. The bill's controversy swirls around when a patient may sue, whether suits are permitted in state or federal court, and how much money can be realized with a court victory. Under the bill, patients will be allowed to go to court and seek damages for lost wages or medical bills, pain and suffering, or punitive damages against the HMO. "Employers beware," says the loyal opposition, framed by Sen. Don Nickels, R-Okla. "There is language in this bill that can bankrupt you." Nickels and his gang need to extract themselves from the rhetorical pool, towel off, and look at some more numbers. There's already a right-to-sue law of the strictest order in place in California. It's been in effect since January. It provides patients with the ability to sue for unlimited amounts. Since the California law went into effect, not a single lawsuit has been filed. On the contrary, it seems that HMOs have stepped up and are actually considering patients' requests for treatment - this according to California's HMO regulator. Health care in this country has reached critical mass. Access, and consideration for patients' rights, must be part of solving this national emergency. New Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle says "It is my intention to stay on this bill for whatever length it takes." Let's hope Daschle has sticking power. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing