Bill Overview
Title: Protecting Americans’ Medical Rights Act
Description: This bill allows an individual to file a civil action for injuries sustained as a result of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine against a government entity that imposed such vaccination requirement. In addition, a state or local government receiving federal funding related to COVID-19 waives their sovereign immunity against such a civil action.
Sponsors: Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals who received COVID-19 vaccinations worldwide
Estimated Size: 230000000
- The bill pertains to individuals affected by COVID-19 vaccination mandates.
- The population includes anyone who received a COVID-19 vaccine due to governmental requirements.
- The bill allows these individuals to sue government entities for injuries related to the vaccine.
Reasoning
- The population primarily includes people who were required to get vaccinated due to mandates by government entities.
- We need a diversity of responses in this simulation, including those who have experienced adverse effects and those who have not.
- Some individuals may not see much impact due to the policy if they have not experienced adverse effects from the vaccination.
- The budget constraints mean that not all claims might be processed fully in year 1, leading to differences in long-term impacts.
Simulated Interviews
Healthcare Worker (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand the importance of this bill, but I didn't have any issues after my vaccination.
- I think it's crucial for those who suffered side effects to be compensated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Office Worker (New York, NY)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My side effects were temporary, so I don't think I would pursue legal action.
- I hope the bill helps those who had severe reactions, though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 68 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy gives peace of mind for those who suffered lasting effects.
- I might consider action if my health doesn't improve.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Teacher (Austin, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm supportive of the bill. Even though I didn't suffer, others might need this.
- Might encourage more transparency about vaccine side effects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Delivery Driver (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am looking forward to seeking compensation for medical bills.
- This policy could help others like me to afford proper care.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Small Business Owner (Seattle, WA)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Glad to see such protections for individuals.
- Personally didn't feel any effects, but I support others who may need it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Factory Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 61 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this bill will address my ongoing joint issues.
- It's important for people to have recourse in cases like mine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
University Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 23 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Happy to see measures for those who had bad reactions.
- No plans to file claims but supportive of the policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Restaurant Manager (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I would consider pursuing action; costs from the side effects were high.
- It's good to see government accountability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Software Developer (Denver, CO)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Interesting policy but not directly applicable to me.
- I understand its relevance for others with problems.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000000 (Low: $1000000000, High: $2000000000)
Year 2: $2000000000 (Low: $1500000000, High: $2500000000)
Year 3: $2500000000 (Low: $2000000000, High: $3000000000)
Year 5: $3000000000 (Low: $2500000000, High: $3500000000)
Year 10: $4000000000 (Low: $3500000000, High: $4500000000)
Year 100: $5000000000 (Low: $4500000000, High: $5500000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill introduces potential for a high number of legal claims against government entities, leading to significant financial liabilities.
- Sovereign immunity waiver could set precedents affecting future government liability in public health measures.
- The bill could influence public trust in both vaccination efforts and governmental health mandates.