The Kerry and Edwards Plan to Lower Health Care Costs

U.S. Newswire -A press release from Kerry/Edwards claims their plan will: "-- Eliminate the special privileges that allow insurance companies to fix prices and collude in ways that increase medical malpractice premiums,

-- Require that individuals making medical malpractice claims first go before a qualified medical specialist to make sure a reasonable grievance exists,

-- Require states to ensure the availability of non-binding mediation in all malpractice claims before cases proceed trial,

-- Support sanctions against plaintiffs and lawyers who bring frivolous medical malpractice claims, including a 'three strikes and you're out' provision preventing lawyers who file three frivolous cases from bringing another suit for 10 years,

-- Oppose punitive damages - unless intentional misconduct, gross negligence, or reckless indifference to life can be established."