NEWS RELEASE
September 2, 1998

Engler Announces Initiatives to Protect Patients

Calls for Continuity of Care Legislation

Governor John Engler today announced initiatives to protect patient rights, including a Patient Bill of Rights brochure that will be widely distributed to Michigan citizens, outlining their guaranteed health care rights. The Governor also called for the introduction of legislation to improve the continuity of care for Michigan residents.

"Michigan has led the nation in Patient Bill of Rights protections," said Engler. "Our Patient Bill of Rights has been in effect in Michigan for nearly a year and unlike many reform proposals, ours applies not only to HMO's but across the board to all health insurance plans. Now we want to make sure all residents have access to this important information."

Under Michigan's landmark Patient Bill of Rights legislation, citizens can get information they need about their health care coverage and their complaints are handled faster. For life-threatening illnesses, patients can get answers to their compliant within 72 hours. The legislation also reduced the amount of time an insurer can refuse to pay for a condition that existed before the patient joined the health care plan.

Engler also called for the introduction of legislation to improve the continuity of care for Michigan citizens.

"We will build on our landmark Patient Bill of Rights by allowing patients who are under active treatment for a serious medical condition, including pregnancy, to keep their doctor for a transitional period, or in the case of pregnancy, until the child is born," said Engler.

Engler called for this legislation because of the difficulty patients may have when their provider leaves their health plan or network, especially when they are seriously ill or pregnant. The legislation would guarantee that a patient receiving care from a doctor who leaves a plan or network may continue to receive care from that provider for 90 days if the provider agrees to continue with the health plans standards.

This will allow pregnant women, in their second or third trimester, the choice of continuing treatment through postpartum care related to the pregnancy. It will allow peace of mind to those who are seriously ill, ensuring that their care is uninterrupted.

"The Michigan State Medical Society was honored to work with patient advocate groups and the Governor to pass Michigan's Patient Bill of Rights," said Kathy Blight, President of the Michigan State Medical Society. "And we are delighted that the information is now available and hope it helps patients navigating through the waters of health care delivery."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Truscott
September 2, 1998 (517) 335-6397