2,050,000 Americans in Alabama cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Alabama has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements and direct access for women's health services. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 1,040,000 women in Alabama are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.
• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

210,000 Americans in Alaska cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

States have enacted a number of patient protections. At least 30 states have enacted provisions to give patients access to needed specialists -- including giving women greater access to qualified health specialists for women's services. At least 28 states have enacted legislation to help ensure that patients have access to emergency room services when and where the need arises. However, states do not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 100,000 women in Alaska are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

1,720,000 Americans in Arizona cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Arizona has enacted a number of patient protections, including anti-gag clauses, disclosure of physician incentive arrangements, and access to external appeals. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 830,000 women in Arizona are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

1,000,000 Americans in Arkansas cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Arkansas has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, direct access for women's health services, and continuity of care protections. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 500,000 women in Arkansas are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

13,090,000 Americans in California cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

California has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, direct access for women's health services, access to emergency room services, and prohibiting "gag clauses." However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 6,230,000 women in California are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

1,810,000 Americans in Colorado cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Colorado has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, direct access for women's health services, continuity of care provisions, and access to emergency room services. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 890,000 women in Colorado are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

1,740,000 Americans in Connecticut cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Connecticut has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, direct access for women's health services, and access to emergency room services. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 910,000 women in Connecticut are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

370,000 Americans in Delaware cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Delaware has enacted a number of patient protections, including direct access for women's health services and prohibiting "gag clauses." However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•  190,000 women in Delaware are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

160,000 Americans in the District of Columbia cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

States have enacted a number of patient protections. At least 30 states have enacted provisions to give patients access to needed specialists -- including giving women greater access to qualified health specialists for women's services. At least 28 states have enacted legislation to help ensure that patients have access to emergency room services when and where the need arises. However, states do not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 80,000 women in the District of Columbia are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

5,470,000 Americans in Florida cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Florida has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, direct access for women's health services, continuity of care provisions, and access to emergency room services. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•  2,710,000 women in Florida are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

3,440,000 Americans in Georgia cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Georgia has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, direct access for women's health services, prohibiting "gag clauses, and disclosure of physician incentive arrangements. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 1,700,000 women in Georgia are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

500,000 Americans in Hawaii cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Hawaii has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 250,000 women in Hawaii are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

500,000 Americans in Idaho cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Idaho has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, direct access for women's health services, access to emergency room services, prohibiting "gag clauses" and confidentiality of health information. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 240,000 women in Idaho are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

6,220,000 Americans in Illinois cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Illinois has enacted a number of patient protections, including direct access for women's health services. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 3,120,000 women in Illinois are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

3,330,000 Americans in Indiana cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Indiana has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, direct access for women's health services, and prohibiting "gag clauses." However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 1,600,000 women in Indiana are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

1,420,000 Americans in Iowa cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

States have enacted a number of patient protections. At least 30 states have enacted provisions to give patients access to needed specialists -- including giving women greater access to qualified health specialists for women's services. At least 28 states have enacted legislation to help ensure that patients have access to emergency room services when and where the need arises. However, states do not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 700,000 women in Iowa are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

1,250,000 Americans in Kansas cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Kansas has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, continuity of care protections, access to emergency room services, and prohibiting "gag clauses." However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 600,000 women in Kansas are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.
 

1,730,000 Americans in Kentucky cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

States have enacted a number of patient protections. At least 30 states have enacted provisions to give patients access to needed specialists -- including giving women greater access to qualified health specialists for women's services. At least 28 states have enacted legislation to help ensure that patients have access to emergency room services when and where the need arises. However, states do not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•  860,000 women in Kentucky are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

1,700,000 Americans in Louisiana cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Louisiana has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, direct access for women's health care services, access to emergency room services, disclosure of physician incentive arrangements, and prohibiting "gag clauses." However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•  830,000 women in Louisiana are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

630,000 Americans in Maine cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Maine has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, access to specialists, continuity of care protections, access to emergency room services, prohibiting "gag clauses," confidentiality of health information, and disclosure of physician incentive arrangements. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.
 

• 310,000 women in Maine are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

2,230,000 Americans in Maryland cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Maryland has enacted a number of patient protections, including continuity of care protections, access to emergency room services, prohibiting "gag clauses,"confidentiality of health information, and disclosure of physician incentive arrangements. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.
 

• 1,130,000 women in Maryland are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

3,300,000 Americans in Massachusetts cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Massachusetts has enacted a number of patient protections, including prohibiting "gag clauses" and confidentiality of health information. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 1,600,000 women in Massachusetts are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

5,320,000 Americans in Michigan cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Michigan has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, access to emergency room services and prohibiting "gag clauses." However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 2,560,000 women in Michigan are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

2,390,000 Americans in Minnesota cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Minnesota has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, direct access for women's health specialists, continuity of care protections, and prohibiting "gag clauses." However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•  1,120,000 women in Minnesota are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

2,360,000 Americans in Missouri cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Missouri has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, access to specialists, access to emergency room services, disclosure of physician incentive arrangements and prohibiting "gag clauses." However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 1,160,000 women in Missouri are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

1,130,000 Americans in Mississippi cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

States have enacted a number of patient protections. At least 30 states have enacted provisions to give patients access to needed specialists -- including giving women greater access to qualified health specialists for women's services. At least 28 states have enacted legislation to help ensure that patients have access to emergency room services when and where the need arises. However, states do not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•  570,000 women in Mississippi are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

340,000 Americans in Montana cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Montana has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, access to specialists, continuity of care protections, access to emergency room services, and prohibiting "gag clauses." However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•  170,000 women in Montana are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

740,000 Americans in Nebraska cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Nebraska has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, access to emergency room services, and prohibiting "gag clauses." However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 340,000 women in Nebraska are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

860,000 Americans in Nevada cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Nevada has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, prohibiting "gag clauses", and access to emergency room services. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•  400,000 women in Nevada are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

610,000 Americans in New Hampshire cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

New Hampshire has enacted a number of patient protections, including prohibiting "gag clauses", access to emergency room services, and confidentiality of health information. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•      290,000 women in New Hampshire are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

3,820,000 Americans in New Jersey cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

New Jersey has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, prohibiting "gag clauses", access to emergency room services, anti-discrimination provisions, and disclosure of physician incentive arrangements. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•  1,920,000 women in New Jersey are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

540,000 Americans in New Mexico cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

New Mexico has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, direct access for women's health services, prohibiting "gag clauses", and confidentiality of health information. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•  260,000 women in New Mexico are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

7,570,000 Americans in New York cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

New York has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, direct access for women's health services, prohibiting "gag clauses", access to emergency room services, and disclosure of physician incentive arrangements. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 3,800,000 women in New York are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

3,470,000 Americans in North Carolina cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

North Carolina has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, prohibiting "gag clauses", access to emergency room services, anti-discrimination provisions, and external appeals entities. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•  1,730,000 women in North Carolina are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

280,000 Americans in North Dakota cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

North Dakota has enacted a number of patient protections, including prohibiting "gag clauses." However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 130,000 women in North Dakota are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

5,960,000 Americans in Ohio cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Ohio has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, prohibiting "gag clauses", access to emergency room services, disclosure of physician incentive arrangements, and external appeals entities. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 2,940,000 women in Ohio are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

1,240,000 Americans in Oklahoma cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Oklahoma has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, prohibiting "gag clauses", and access to emergency room services. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•  630,000 women in Oklahoma are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

1,520,000 Americans in Oregon cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Oregon has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, prohibiting "gag clauses", access to emergency room services, and direct access for women's health services. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 750,000 women in Oregon are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

6,160,000 Americans in Pennsylvania cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Pennsylvania has enacted a number of patient protections, including prohibiting "gag clauses." However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 3,120,000 women in Pennsylvania are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

460,000 Americans in Rhode Island cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Rhode Island has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, prohibiting "gag clauses"and disclosure of physician incentive arrangements, and external appeals entities. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 230,000 women in Rhode Island are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

1,690,000 Americans in South Carolina cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

States have enacted a number of patient protections. At least 30 states have enacted provisions to give patients access to needed specialists -- including giving women greater access to qualified health specialists for women's services. At least 28 states have enacted legislation to help ensure that patients have access to emergency room services when and where the need arises. However, states do not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 840,000 women in South Carolina are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

300,000 Americans in South Dakota cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

States have enacted a number of patient protections. At least 30 states have enacted provisions to give patients access to needed specialists -- including giving women greater access to qualified health specialists for women's services. At least 28 states have enacted legislation to help ensure that patients have access to emergency room services when and where the need arises. However, states do not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•  150,000 women in South Dakota are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

2,300,000 Americans in Tennessee cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Tennessee has enacted a number of patient protections, including prohibiting "gag clauses", and access to emergency room services. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 1,180,000 women in Tennessee are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

8,060,000 Americans in Texas cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Texas has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, prohibiting "gag clauses", access to emergency room services, and external appeals entities. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 3,900,000 women in Texas are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

950,000 Americans in Utah cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Utah has enacted a number of patient protections, including prohibiting "gag clauses" and direct access for women's health services. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•  470,000 women in Utah are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

290,000 Americans in Vermont cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Vermont has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, prohibiting "gag clauses," disclosure of physician incentive arrangements, and external appeals entities. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 140,000 women in Vermont are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

3,060,000 Americans in Virginia cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Virginia has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, prohibiting "gag clauses," and disclosure of physician incentive arrangements. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 1,540,000 women in Virginia are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

2,550,000 Americans in Washington cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Washington has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, prohibiting "gag clauses," access to emergency room services, and disclosure of physician incentive arrangements. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

•  1,240,000 women in Washington are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

670,000 Americans in West Virginia cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self-insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

West Virginia has enacted a number of patient protections, including information disclosure requirements, prohibiting "gag clauses," and access to emergency room services. However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 350,000 women in West Virginia are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

2,900,000 Americans in Wisconsin cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Wisconsin has enacted a number of patient protections, including prohibiting "gag clauses." However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 1,440,000 women in Wisconsin are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

190,000 Americans in Wyoming cannot be assured all of the patient protections recommended by the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality, even if their state enacts all of these protections into law. This is because the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is frequently used to preempt state-enacted protections. Because of ERISA, self- insured plans (plans directly underwritten by employers) are not covered under state law and are not required to abide by state-enacted protections. Moreover, ERISA can even preempt important patient protections for health plans directly regulated by states.

Wyoming has enacted a number of patient protections, including prohibiting "gag clauses." However, the state does not provide for the full range of patients' rights recommended by the Quality Commission. Also, as outlined above, these state-enacted protections do not fully apply to patients in ERISA plans.

Passing a patients' bill of rights is particularly important for women.

• 100,000 women in Wyoming are in ERISA health plans and Federal legislation is necessary to assure they get the range of protections recommended by the Quality Commission.

• Over 60 percent of physician visits are made by women, and women make three quarters of the health care decisions in American households. Therefore, patient protections that help consumers make informed decisions are particularly important for women.
• Women in managed care plans are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of care. Nearly 70 percent of privately insured women ages 18 to 65 are in managed care plans. Almost two-fifths of women in managed care plans worry that they will not be able to get speciality care when they need it. Twenty-seven percent of women in managed care plans worry that they will be denied a medical procedure they need.
• Without the patients' bill of rights, women may not receive important preventive services. The patient protection that gives women direct access to an obstetrician/gynecologist is not only necessary to make sure that pregnant women get the care they need, but is also important to assure women get important preventive services. Studies show that gynecologists are almost two times as likely to perform timely, needed women's preventive services.

Congress must pass a Federally-enforceable patients' bill of rights to assure high quality care for all patients. The President has called on Congress to enact the Quality Commission's recommendations including: assuring patients access to easily understood information; access to the specialists, including specialists for women's health needs; continuity of care for those undergoing a course of treatment for a chronic or disabling condition; access to emergency services when and where the need arises; disclosure of financial incentives that could influence medical decisions; prohibition of "gag clauses"; anti-discrimination protections; and an internal and external appeals process to address grievances with health decisions.

President and First Lady | Vice President and Mrs. Gore
Record of Progress | The Briefing Room
Gateway to Government | Contacting the White House
White House for Kids | White House History
White House Tours | Help | Text Only

Privacy Statement