Health Reform-Rough Crossings-Family Caregivers' Odyssey Through the Health Care System [Bound Material]
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OCR Page 1 of 11ROLLOUT PROPOSAL FOR THE NEWBORNS' AND MOTHERS' HEALTH
PROTECTION ACT INTERIM REGULATION
The issuance of the interim rules is not itsclf a major news event because the Act, which was
signed into law in September 1996, has been effective for nine months and does not apply to
insured plans in most states where similar provisions have been enacted. However, the rules are
important because they will help to address the confusion concerning the basic rights provided to
mothers and newborns under the Act. Therefore, the rollout will focus on the broader issue of
women's rights regarding their health benefits under job-related plans and the Department's
outreach to women to educate them about these issues. The Newborns' Act, and the clarifying
interim rules, as a good example of an important right that women should know about, serves as
an effective and meaningful kick off for this outreach. In order to reach a wide audience of
women, PWBA is working with the Women's Bureau to reach beyond the traditional employee
benefit plan news audience (i.e., employers, service providers, etc.) directly to women - through
womens' organizations, press and even the most popular book for expectant mothers. We will
also provide assistance by directly responding to womens' questions regarding their health
benefits with a customer service day held initially in select major markets through our (PWBA
and WB) regional offices. It should also be noted that the regulation is being issued with
Treasury and HHS. We are following up with these agencies with regard to their rollout plans.
Message of the rollout:
Women need to be take an active role with regard to their health benefits.
-- Women need to be informed consumers and empowered to act in their best
interests.
-There are new laws that provide protections for women as health care
consumers, including a regulation clarifying certain protections provided for
newborns and new mothers that the Department is issuing today.
-- The Department can provide information and technical assistance for the the
tools women need to navigate the health care system.
-- The Secretary is announcing customer service days in our Philadelphia, San
Francisco, Dallas, Kansas City and Atlanta regional offices when women can call
in and ask questions relating to their health benefits and ERISA.
Components of the Rollout:
Magazine roundtable - The Secretary would do a 30-45 minute interview by telephone with
editors/wr.ters of 5-8 major women's magazines and columns. The Secretary would announce
our outreach to educate women about their health benefit rights and the issuance of the
Newborns' Act interim rules as a good example of an important right that women need to know.
An information packet would be provided in advance to generate an informed conversation.
Mass mailing - The Secretary would send a letter with the information packet, which would
include an insert that is ready to use in newsletters, magazines, books, etc., to a large number of
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