NABIP adopts American Health Consumer Bill of Rights

By Susan Rupe

Saying that it wants to “put the health back in our health care system,” the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals announced its American Health Consumer Bill of Rights during the 2024 NABIP Capitol Conference on Monday.

In presenting the bill of rights, NABIP leaders said the association wants to be proactive and not reactive when it comes to American consumers’ health care.

“We’re going on the offense in a way that’s apolitical. These are things that every human being in our country deserves,” said Mark Gaunya, chairman of the NABIP Delta Force, the committee that drafted the bill of rights.

Jessica Brooks-Woods, NABIP CEO, said the association is “ushering in an era from where we are relevant to where we are essential. We talk about what’s broken and whether the health care system is working as it is designed to work.”

Put 'foundation principles' in place

NABIP president Eric Kohlsdorf said the goal of drafting the bill of rights is to “to put in place some foundation principles for NABIP as we work to change health care for all Americans. We are going to be essential in the space, not a participant. We are going to drive the change we want.”

The Healthcare Consumer Bill of Rights begins by stating that the document is “a guiding framework to ensure health care remains privately accessible and affordable for all Americans.”

“It is a commitment to promoting health, dignity and equality, and it is the responsibility of all individuals and the health care sector to uphold and protect these rights.”

NABIP, in its bill of rights, said it is the association’s belief that “every individual deserves the right to obtain health care that is comprehensive, equitable and compassionate.”

'Bill of Rights' includes 10 articles

The bill of rights includes 10 articles. They are:

Article 1 – Right to access affordable health care. Every American shall have the right to access affordable health care that meets the consumer’s needs, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or preexisting conditions.

The health care sector shall strive to ensure that essential health care services, including preventive care, medical treatments, medications and substance abuse disorder services, are accessible and affordable for all individuals.

Article 2 – Right to quality care. When accessing health care, every American shall expect to receive quality health care services that meet or exceed established standards of care that are transparent and clinically appropriate.

Health care providers and institutions shall be held accountable for maintaining the highest levels of quality, safety and efficacy in their practices.

Article 3 – Right to privacy and confidentiality. Every American shall have the right to privacy and confidentiality to all health care-related matters.

Health care providers and institutions shall protect the privacy and confidentiality of patients’ medical information, adhering to strict standards and regulations.

Article 4 – Right to individual autonomy. Every American shall have the right to make informed decisions regarding their health care, including the right to refuse or consent to medical treatment.

Health care providers shall respect and honor the autonomy of patients, providing them with all relevant information to make informed decisions about their health.

Article 5 – Right to health equity. Every American shall have the right to health care that is equitable, just and free from discrimination.

The health care sector shall take necessary measures to address and eliminate health disparities, ensuring that underserved populations have equal access to health care resources and services.

The health care sector shall create awareness of social determinants of health, including economic stability, education access and quality, neighborhood and physical infrastructure, social and community context.

Article 6 – Right to health education. Every American shall have the right to access comprehensive health education and information to promote personal well-being and prevention of diseases.

The health care sector shall prioritize health education programs, including public health campaigns, to empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their health.

Article 7 – Right to affordable medication. Every American shall have the right to access affordable medications necessary for their health and well-being.

The health care sector shall implement policies to ensure the affordability and availability of essential medications, including the oversight and transparency of drug prices and the promotion of generic or biosimilar alternatives.

Article 8 – Right to emergency care. Every American shall have the right to emergency medical care without fear of financial hardship.

Health care providers shall be obligated to provide emergency care to all individuals in need, regardless of their ability to pay, ensuring that no one is denied life-saving treatment due to financial constraints.

Article 9 – Right to health care advocacy. Every American shall have the right to an effective and accessible health care advocacy system.

Every American shall have the right to complain, refer concerns and pursue expedited appeal of coverage determinations.

The government shall establish mechanisms for individuals to seek assistance and resolve grievances related to their health care, ensuring that their rights and protected and uphold.

Article 10 – States rights. Consumers shall be able to access health care and insurance markets locally.

Each state shall regulate the health care and insurance markets and is charged with protecting the consumer.

States will embody these principles of consumer protection and be permitted to have oversight within the health care ecosystem within its state borders, except to compete directly with the private health are market.

Susan Rupe is managing editor for InsuranceNewsNet. She formerly served as communications director for an insurance agents' association and was an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on X @INNsusan.