Implications of Rising Premiums on Access to Health Care

The recent rising cost of medical malpractice insurance premiums in many states has reportedly influenced some physicians to move or close practices, reduce high-risk services, or alter their practices to preclude potential lawsuits known as defensive medicine practices). States have revised tort laws under which malpractice lawsuits are litigated to help constrain malpractice premium and claims costs. Some of these tort reform laws include caps on monetary penalties for noneconomic harm, such as for plaintiffs’ pain and suffering. Congress is considering legislation similar to some states’ tort reform laws.

Downlaod and read Implications of Rising Premiums on Access to Health Care [pdf]