For Release: Wednesday, January 5, 2005
David Gillies: 202-225-5661
Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) issued the following statement regarding President Bush's visit to Collinsville to discuss medical malpractice reform:
"I am pleased that the President is visiting our area and focusing on the important issue of medical malpractice reform. I believe this is an issue best addressed at the state level, as half of all states have already enacted some type of reform legislation. While caps on non-economic damages should be considered, caps alone will not bring down the cost of medical malpractice premiums. Insurance accountability - requiring insurance companies to justify rate increases before a public body - is essential to fixing this problem. Any legislation the President sends to the Congress should address caps and insurance accountability, and also include a mediation system to settle disputes before they reach the courtroom, address the issue of forum shopping in filing cases and establish a system to hold physicians and attorneys accountable for malpractice and abusing the court system."
Costello letter to President Bush concerning medical malpractice reform (Requires Adobe Reader)
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