Since the September 11th attacks on our nation, the agenda in both the House and the Senate has drastically changed. Now as republicans and democrats rally behind President Bush to support America's war against terrorism, issues that were once considered pressing have been put on hold. One of those issues is healthcare in America.

According to a report released by the consumer group Families USA, "Managed care can create an incentive to underserve or even deny beneficiaries access to needed care since plans and, in some cases, providers can profit from not delivering services."

Over the summer, the House and Senate each passed their own Patients’ Bill of Rights, and the legislation now has to go to a House-Senate conference committee. While both the House and Senate would like to limit the power of primary care physicians and ultimately, insurance companies, they do not completly agree on a patient's right to sue. The House would like "caps" placed on court awards, while the Senate does not.

Do you think there should be caps placed on such court awards? Has your Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) ever denied you any form of treatment? Right now, how important do you feel it is for Congress to address Patients’ Rights legislation?