National Business Group on Health Applauds Senate Bill Promoting Better Information About Health Care Options

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - March 5, 2008) - The National Business Group on Health (NBGH) today commended Senators Max Baucus and Kent Conrad for their leadership in introducing legislation that would improve the quality of health care for all Americans through better information. In commending the senators, the NBGH, a non-profit group that represents 300 large employers, noted that the Comparative Effectiveness Research Act of 2008 would vastly increase the nation's ability to provide doctors and patients with evidence about the clinical effectiveness of health care services and treatments.

"Patients and physicians alike are demanding credible information on what works, how well, and for whom," said Helen Darling, NBGH President. "This bill would go a long way toward providing what we all need to truly make informed decisions about options for treatment."

The bill would establish a private, non-profit Health Care Comparative Effectiveness Research Institute, governed by a multi-stakeholder board that would analyze and produce credible data comparing the clinical effectiveness of treatment alternatives for the same condition. "Such information promises to improve health care quality and safety and save health care costs over time," noted Ms. Darling.

"This bill promises to take health care fully into the information age," said Steven Wojcik, Vice President of Public Policy for the National Business Group on Health. "Too often, we are making major medical decisions with little or incomplete information."

About the National Business Group on Health

The National Business Group on Health, representing 300 large employers (including 63 of the Fortune 100) who provide healthcare coverage to over 55 million U.S. workers, retirees, and their families, is the nation's only non-profit organization devoted exclusively to finding innovative and forward-thinking solutions to large employers' most important health care and related benefits issues. The Business Group identifies and shares best practices in health benefits, disability, health and productivity, related paid time off and work/life balance issues. For more information about the Business Group, visit www.businessgrouphealth.org

Contact Information: Contact: Ed Emerman 609-275-5162 eemerman@eaglepr.com