PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7102)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jun 25, 2009
Expresses the sense of Congress that any health care reform legislation should include, with respect to health plans: (1) support for consumer education and assistance with enrollment; (2) assistance for people asserting consumer rights; (3) a strengthened system of consumer protections, including an appeal mechanism within a health plan, coverage for emergency care without prior authorization, verification of accurate out-of-network copayment charges, and protections against balance billing in emergency situations and where in-network providers are unavailable, against mid-year health plan changes that could impact the enrollee's cost-sharing or access to services, and against misleading marketing; and (4) a strengthened enforcement system of consumer rights for claims involving systemic violations of consumer protections, including sanctions.
People & committees
Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ] · D–NJ
Legislative record
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Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7102)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.Con.Res.32 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine S.Con.Res.32 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine S.Con.Res.32 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine S.Con.Res.32 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.