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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 14, 2013 11:39 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Robert F. Matzie |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Choice of Health Care Provider |
| Legislation that I will be introducing in the near future will implement the new federal healthcare reform’s provisions relative to the ability of consumers to use the doctor of their choice. My legislation will mirror the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s (NAIC) model law on this subject. Under the federal law, consumers are guaranteed the opportunity to choose the primary care doctor or pediatrician they prefer from their health plan’s provider network. Consumers are also guaranteed that they can see an OB-GYN doctor without needing a referral from another doctor. Like the federal law, my bill will require insurers to provide notice to the consumer of these important rights. This notice will be drafted by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department using the NAIC’s suggested notice. Selection of an individual’s physician is arguably one of the most important decisions they will make. This critical decision should be made by the individual and not their insurance company. My legislation will take the insurer out of this decision making process, and empower the consumer. This should help improve the consumer’s access to needed preventive and routine care, which has been shown to improve the health of those treated and avoid unnecessary health care costs. Thanking you in advance. |