Letter: Ensign defends version of health care bill

For the benefit of every Sun reader who is concerned with the health care issue, please allow me to set the record straight.

Section 2773 of the bill I have authored clearly provides whistle-blower protection: "A health insurance issuer ... may not terminate a contract, demote, refuse to contract with, or refuse to compensate a health care professional because the professional ... reports a violation of law to an appropriate authority."

Section 2771 of the bill clearly says only a physician can deny coverage: " ... the issuer shall cover any service furnished under the coverage unless a physician ... determines that such services should not be covered."

I authored this bill based on the fine piece of legislation, Assembly Bill 156, Assemblywoman Barbara Buckley authored in the Nevada Legislature and I am proud to bring it to the federal level, where it will serve to protect Medicare recipients.

The criticism of my bill was obviously, and unfortunately, made without reading it. Rest assured, such criticism will not deter my fight to make the health care system more responsive to patients throughout Nevada and across the country.

Rep. John Ensign

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