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National Business Group on Health Endorses Bill Promoting Better Information About Health Care Options
H.R. 2184 Boosts Research on Which Medical Treatments Work Best
| Source: National Business Group on Health
WASHINGTON, DC -- (MARKET WIRE) -- May 15, 2007 --The National Business Group on Health today
applauded Representatives Tom Allen and Jo Ann Emerson for introducing the
Enhanced Health Care Value for All Act. If approved, the bill would vastly
increase the funding for studies comparing the effectiveness of
prescription drugs, medical devices, procedures, and other medical
treatments.
Speaking on Capital Hill today with Representatives Allen and Emerson and
other health care leaders, Helen Darling, President of the National
Business Group on Health, said, "The National Business Group on Health and
employers nationwide applaud Representatives Allen and Emerson for their
leadership in proposing this unprecedented, much needed, and long overdue
initiative to close the information gap that doctors and patients all too
frequently face when determining the best course of treatment. Patients
deserve nothing less than to receive care based on the latest research and
the best available evidence."
The bill (H.R. 2184) would provide $3 billion over five years to fund new
comparative effectiveness research and syntheses of existing research
sponsored by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
The bill would also create an advisory board comprised of employers and
consumers as well as health care representatives to recommend research
priorities, and work with independent clinical experts to assure the
transparency and scientific validity of the research.
"Too often, doctors make health care decisions and patients receive care
with little or no evidence that the alternative chosen is better than other
courses of treatment. As Americans become increasingly involved in their
health care decisions, they need reliable information about options and
alternatives that are best for them," said Ms. Darling. "With so many new
medical advances and many unproven existing treatments in use, doctors also
need better information to ensure that patients receive the most effective
care. For an industry that costs the American people over $2.2 trillion,
this proposed amount can help us reduce waste and improve quality care."
"We pledge to do all we can to support this initiative to assure that
credible comparative clinical information becomes readily available," said
Steven Wojcik, Vice President, Public Policy, of the National Business
Group on Health.
The widespread availability of comparative information on the effectiveness
of medical treatments is a key element of the National Business Group on
Health's comprehensive position on national health care reform, which is
available at this link:
http://www.businessgrouphealth.org/pdfs/nationalhealthcarereformpositionstatement.pdf.
About the National Business Group on Health
The National Business Group on Health, representing over 265 mostly large
employers, is the nation's only non-profit organization devoted exclusively
to finding innovative and forward-thinking solutions to large employers'
most important health care and related benefits issues. The Business Group
identifies and shares best practices in health benefits, disability, health
and productivity, related paid time off and work/life balance issues.
Business Group members provide health coverage for more than 50 million
U.S. workers, retirees and their families. For more information about the
Business Group, visit www.businessgrouphealth.org