Chambers Support the Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-Cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2003

March 11, 2003

To Members of the United States House of Representatives:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region, together with the 281 undersigned state and local Chambers of Commerce from 42 states are greatly concerned about the growing crisis with the medical liability system that is hurting our communities and threatening patient access to medical services. We are writing in support of H.R. 5, the "Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare (HEALTH) Act of 2003," and urge the Congress to pass effective medical liability reform.

America's medical liability system is broken. In states that lack reasonable liability reforms, multi-million dollar jury awards and settlements in medical liability cases are forcing providers to abandon high-risk elements of their practices, retire early, or relocate to other states. As a result, available hospital services are reduced and patients suffer as they find it increasingly difficult to access care in their communities.

The costs of excessive litigation and defensive medicine are driving up expenditures by employers and working families for health insurance which is hurting access to affordable health coverage. Moreover, without access to nearby medical facilities and health care providers, communities will be unable to attract to their areas new businesses and retain current residents who need access to specialized medical services.

A national solution is imperative as in at least 21 states, courts have nullified liability reforms. Meaningful reforms in the "HEALTH Act," such as reasonable limits on non-economic damages and contingent fees in medical liability cases, will bring a degree of predictability and fairness to the civil justice system that is critical to solving the growing medical access and affordability crisis.

The "HEALTH Act" ensures patients are wholly compensated for their injuries, while curbing excessive and unnecessary liability costs that are adversely impacting our health care system and communities. We urge the House to act now to pass effective health care liability reform.

Sincerely,

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce