Bipartisan Patient Protection Act

The Bipartisan Patient Protection Act aims to establish a national "Patients' Bill of Rights" to ensure that individuals in managed care plans have greater control over their medical decisions. The bill would require health insurance companies to provide easier access to specialists, allow women to see obstetricians and gynecologists without a referral, and permit parents to choose pediatricians as their children's primary care providers. It also creates a standardized process for patients to appeal denied claims through both internal reviews and independent external experts.

For everyday citizens, this legislation would prohibit "gag clauses" that prevent doctors from discussing all treatment options with their patients and would require insurers to cover emergency room visits without prior authorization. Additionally, the bill would allow patients to sue their health insurance providers in federal or state court for damages if a denial of medically necessary care results in personal injury or death. To help offset costs and expand access, the bill also includes tax incentives for small businesses and self-employed individuals to purchase health insurance.