Chicago Tribune, November 24, 2009

Dr. Hossfeld has been deceived by the insurance industry about the true cause of the health care crisis in this country today. Rather than trying to address the real problems - costs that are rising at a rate well beyond inflation, a lack of healthy competition and transparency regarding rates in the industry, or the growing number of uninsured and underinsured patients in America - the insurance industry has tried to convince the public that it is the victims of gross medical negligence that are responsible for a health care system that is spiraling out of control. It's clear that the insurance industry is trying to avoid any responsibility and instead divert attention elsewhere in the name of protecting its profits.

But Dr. Hossfeld, and all of us, should demand more from the industry in exchange for our business. If we don't hold insurance companies accountable we will never improve quality of health care or expand access to everyone who needs treatment. I would encourage Dr. Hossfeld to place blame where blame is due. We need not sacrifice victims' rights to improve our ailing health care system.

Peter J. Flowers
President
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
St. Charles