Health Care

By Susan A. Davis

Health Care - Direct access to OB/GYNs, right to second medical opinions, Medicare prescription drug coverage and protecting medical record privacy

HMOs and insurance companies now play a much larger role in health care decisions -- decisions that used to be left up to patients and doctors. In the Assembly, I've worked hard to protect the doctor-patient relationship. I wrote a law that requires HMOs and insurance companies to cover the cost of a second opinion from a physician outside of a patient's health plan.

I also heard from many women who were frustrated with health plans that required them to obtain a referral before visiting their OB-GYN. So I authored legislation that would allow women to see their OB-GYN without going through the HMO gatekeepers.

In Congress, I'll continue to make healthcare a priority. I'll fight for a Patients' Bill of Rights that provides direct access to OB/GYNs and the right to a second medical opinion. I will also push for expanding Medicare to help seniors pay for prescription drugs and laws guaranteeing the privacy of you medical records.