Spokesman for National Doctor Coalition Appreciates Senators' Tough Political Stand, but Right Stand for Patients
Spokesman for the Coalition to Protect Patients' Rights and former head of the American Medical Association, Dr. Donald Palmisano, thanked Maine Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins for their support of Maine patients by opposing Sen. Reid's opt-out government-controlled public insurance option.
“On behalf of the Coalition's 10,000 doctors, I want to personally thank Senator Olympia Snowe for her courageous stand in support of patients and against further government control of healthcare,” Dr. Palmisano said. “Sen. Snowe's stand will help ensure that patients continue to get access to the world-class care they need.”
Additionally, the Coalition continues to appreciate Sen. Susan Collins' steadfast commitment to protecting patients' care.
“Sen. Collins has consistently stated her support for strengthening our nation's healthcare system by building on the current system that works well for the vast majority of Americans rather than rebuilding it from scratch,” Dr. Palmisano said.
“We have the best healthcare system in the world and if the government attempts a complete overhaul of our system - including a government-controlled public option - it could lead to diminished quality of care for patients today and an end to the medical miracles of tomorrow,” Dr. Palmisano said.
The Coalition supports fixes to improve access to care like shielding patients from being dropped by their insurance carrier for pre-existing conditions, allowing individuals to keep their health coverage even when they change jobs, and empowering patients to purchase insurance across state lines.
Last week, the Coalition to Protect Patients' Rights hosted a two-day Fly-In that brought together more than 100 doctors from across the country to give legislators and the American people a “Second Opinion” on healthcare reform. During the Fly-In several Maine doctors visited with Sen. Snowe, continuing a months-long dialogue doctors have had with members of the Maine delegation.
About the Coalition to Protect Patients' Rights
The Coalition to Protect Patients' Rights is a non-partisan, grassroots coalition made up of over 10,000 doctors, healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens who are dedicated to the implementation of patient-centered healthcare reform that will improve patient care. For more information, visit the Coalition to Protect Patients' Rights website at www.protectpatientsrights.org or via Twitter at http://twitter.com/patientsnow.
Contacts:
Coalition to Protect Patients' Rights
703-405-9407
media@protectpatientsrights.org
