1.   Congressional and other investigators are expected to focus on whether the denials resulted from a bureaucratic slip-up or a cover-up.

2.   Insurance denials often result from simple clerical or record-keeping errors.

3.   It would permit lawsuits against health insurers when denials of coverage result in deteriorating health or death.

4.   The Democrats also would permit patients to sue their health plan for compensatory and punitive damages when the denial results in further injury or death.