Original publisher: Washington: U.S. G.P.O.: For sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. G.P.O. [Congressional Sales Office], 2002. OCLC Number: (OCoLC ...
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Original publisher: Washington: U.S. G.P.O.: For sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. G.P.O. [Congressional Sales Office], 2002. OCLC Number: (OCoLC)49807876 Subject: Health insurance -- Law and legislation -- United States. Excerpt: ... 12 Finally, if I may just echo Gary Ford's point about the historical role of this Subcommittee in the development of ERISA. Clearly the Subcommittee will play a crucial role in crafting whatever patients ' rights legislation will emerge from Congress. In this immediate legislative effort and in the future I would certainly urge the Subcommittee to continue its historic role as the stalwart, champion, and protector of ERISA. Thank you. WRITTEN TESTIMONY OF JAMES A. KLEIN, PRESIDENT, AMERICAN BENEFITS COUNCIL, WASHINGTON, D.C. - SEE APPENDIX D Chairman Johnson. Thank you, sir. We appreciate your testimony. We are going to approach this with vigor, I assure you. Ms. Weiss, you may begin your testimony. I saw you taking a lot of notes. You still need to watch the light, please. Ms. Weiss. Thanks. Chairman Johnson. Thank you, ma'am. Go ahead. STATEMENT OF ALICE M. WEISS, DIRECTOR OF HEALTH POLICY, NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP FOR WOMEN & FAMILIES, WASHINGTON, D.C. Good morning, Mr. Chairman, and other Members of the Subcommittee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today on behalf of the National Partnership for Women and Families and its interest in advancing health care quality. ERISA plays a critical role in our health care system and has had a number of positive effects for consumers. ERISA was passed to ensure individuals receive the benefits they are promised. Unfortunately, ERISA falls far short of the health protections consumers need. My testimony today will discuss ERISA's impact on our health care system and explain why federal legislation is needed to fulfill ERISA's promise for American families. Contrary to Mr. Klein's assertion, ERISA was never intended to regulate health insurance. Enacted largely in response to emp...
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