This AP article on health reform today speaks volumes about the role of insurance industry lobbyists in health reform this year. The article assumes it is a GOOD thing that they are at the table, because only they can move "reform" forward, of course in a way that is to their own benefit. We need to push reform urgently, but we dare not let down our guard about what those who profit from denying health care are aiming for. Let's take a look at some excerpts from the article, written by Ricardo Alonso-Zalivar:
There is a double-edged sword in Obama's approach: he has kept insurance company lobbyists at the table, so they are less likely to simply aim to kill any bill, but then again it gives them more influence over what final legislation will look like:
"My gut is telling me that something major can pass because all the people who could kill it are still at the table," said Ken Thorpe, chairman of health policy at Emory University in Atlanta.
Never forget, it is their financial bottom line, not the health of the American people, that these companies care about:
This time, the health care industry groups see a strategic opportunity. As lawmakers squabble, the groups are focused on how to come out ahead in the end game.
Oh, yes, they do like the idea of mandates:
And if the government requires everybody to get coverage — just what the overhaul legislation calls for — it could guarantee a steady stream of customers subsidized by taxpayers not only for insurers, but for all medical providers.
But not with a public option:
One of the liberals' main objectives is to include a strong government-sponsored insurance plan in the legislation, to compete against private insurance. Stopping or weakening the government plan is a top priority for the insurance industry. Other health care interest groups are also leery because the public plan could put a dent in their budgets.
And they are willing to spend whatever necessary to get their way. I'm sure they hope for an excellent return on their investment:
The industry groups have invested heavily to make sure their views get taken into account. The health care sector gave $167 million in campaign contributions to congressional candidates in the 2008 election cycle, according to the watchdog group OpenSecrets.org. Health care companies poured $484 million into lobbying efforts in 2008, and are on pace to exceed that this year.
It's all about gaming reform to them, so they can come out ahead in the end:
Laszewski...thinks insurers in particular look like they're in a win-win situation.
"The health insurance industry is in a fantastic position," he said. Democratic liberals overreached and can't move a bill over the objections of their moderate and conservative colleagues.
Overreached? When single payer isn't even seriously in the debate?
As much as I am tempted to feel cynical, it is hope and not cynicism that needs to drive us right now.
It's up to us to move this bill and move those "colleagues" who are delaying and blocking it. This means calling, calling, and calling. This means demanding a true public option. This means ensuring that states have the right and ability to develop single-payer plans in the future. This means exposing the motives of the lobbyists for industries that profit from the status quo, and watching with a wary eye their tricks and efforts to profit even more if they can shape a final bill to their liking, or defeat it if not. That is their "win, win" scenario, but it is a "lose, lose" scenario for the American people. The only way to get a win here is for the American people to speak out. The people are on our side, and our voice is key to their hopes and their lives.