On March 13, 2003, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a major medical liability reform bill, entitled the Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Health Care (HEALTH) Act of 2003 (H.R.5). Among other things, H.R.5 would place a $250,000 cap on non-economic damages that can be claimed in a malpractice suit; require periodic payments, rather than lump sum payments; place a cap on contingency fees; and create a statute of limitations of three years after the manifestation of an injury. GNYHA strongly supported H.R.5. In a letter to the New York Congressional Delegation, GNYHA President Kenneth E. Raske stated, "Hospitals in New York are reporting double-digit increases in premium costs. Premiums in New York are already among the highest in the nation. . . . In addition, Medicare cuts at the Federal level and Medicaid cuts at the state level have limited the ability of providers to absorb escalating premium costs." The Senate is expected to consider S.607—the companion to H.R.5—in the coming weeks. GNYHA is grateful to members of the New York Congressional Delegation who voted for this important piece of legislation.