Recently, more than 90 groups representing the patients, providers, consumers, labor, and advocates of this country stepped forward in support of H.R. 3605, the Patients' Bill of Rights.

The volume and diversity of support for the Patients' Bill of Rights underscores what its 146 cosponsors have known from the start. It is a solid piece of legislation that takes a rational approach to protecting the consumer in managed care, without destroying managed care.

Protecting consumers in managed care is not a partisan issue. We all know someone who has had to deal with the complications, frustrations, and even tragedy resulting from an encounter with the managed care system. It doesn't have to be that way.

The coalition behind this bill is diverse, and it is bipartisan. Last week I had the pleasure of welcoming a number of my Republican colleagues and friends as cosponsors of the Patients' Bill of Rights. We are proud to have the support of both the American Medical Association and the AFL-CIO, two organizations whose members see the impact of managed care on people every day.

We need you to join us on the Patients' Bill of Rights. We've got a long road to travel and some strong opposition to overcome to see this bill through, and we need to keep up our efforts.

To cosponsor the Patients' Bill of Rights, H.R. 3605, please call Carla Hultberg at 5-3641. For questions, call Bridgett Taylor or Amy Droskoski at 6-3400.

Sincerely,

JOHN D. DINGELL
RANKING MEMBER

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