Obama Says Insurers Are Trying to Block Change
By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG
The president accused some insurance companies of trying to undermine his plans for overhauling health care.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/15/health/policy/15obama.html?th&emc=th


Take care.
Blessed Be.
Alice

"Politicians are like diapers. They should be changed frequently and for the same reason." From the movie, "Man of the Year"

He is a man in an empty suit.

He didn't just figure it out, we've known it all along.  Having dealt with insurance companies for the past 30 years [health benefits], I know that they are in fact, screwing the living begheezus out of their policy holders.

That is why I suggested (and was adopted) that my employer go as "self-insured" to bypass the profit making insurance companies.  We can provide a "cadillac" plan, that is about 70% of the cost if we had stayed with an insurance company for the same plan.

Where exactly do you think Insurance Companies derive their profits?

Jim...

"The president accused some insurance companies of trying to undermine his plans for overhauling health care."

I take it then, from the above quote, the President (what do you think of the NYT for not capitalizing?) just kept quiet about the fact that insurance companies would attempt to undermine his overhauling of health care? He has waited until now to "come out swinging" against his major opponents on this issue? Did he really expect them to quietly roll over and play dead for him?

"He didn't just figure it out, we've known it all along. Having dealt with insurance companies for the past 30 years [health benefits], I know that they are in fact, screwing the living begheezus out of their policy holders.

" . . .

"Where exactly do you think Insurance Companies derive their profits?"

To answer your stupid question, Jim ... and I'm not calling you stupid, only your question ... I'm well aware that insurance companies profits are made from insurance holders (as well as, hopefully, a shrewd investment portfolio).

Take care.
Blessed Be.
Alice

"Politicians are like diapers. They should be changed frequently and for the same reason." From the movie, "Man of the Year"

To answer your stupid question, Jim ... and I'm not calling you stupid, only your question ... I'm well aware that insurance companies profits are made from insurance holders (as well as, hopefully, a shrewd investment portfolio).

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I'll tell you how they do it..  They do it by excluding people that will cause them to pay big medical costs, and by denying benefits all along the claims ladder.  I've dealt with it for 30 years, and I know how they work.  It is no secret, and I am amazed that anybody could take up their side as if it were a good thing.

If you think about it, why would they do anything else if their goal was profit?

Jim..

To answer your stupid question, Jim ... and I'm not calling you stupid, only your question

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Why would you consider that a "stupid question"?

Jim..

Where exactly do you think Insurance Companies derive their profits?

They derive their profits from the margin they make between what they obtain in revenue from customers who want a more secure position, minus what they have to pay out.

That's pretty basic, Jim.

Now, should the insurance companies be allowed to make a profit in the relatively free market known as the United States?

*****
To no one will we sell, to no one will we refuse or delay, right or justice.
-- Magna Carta

" . . . It is no secret, and I am amazed that anybody could take up their side as if it were a good thing.

"If you think about it, why would they do anything else if their goal was profit?"


Where or where did I say I was in favor of the insurance companies? Should they make a profit, of course ... why would they be in business otherwise. Should they make a huge profit off their insureds, no they shouldn't ... no more than any other business in any other industry should make a huge profit of the people.

My question was ... where has the President been that he is just now beginning to awaken to the idea that the insurance companies would fight his "health care bill?"

"Why would you consider that a "stupid question"?"

Because it is far afield of the question originally proposed and it has nothing to do with my opening remarks ... as usual. Ever think of responding to the actual question asked instead of dreaming up your own subject matter?




Take care.
Blessed Be.
Alice

"Politicians are like diapers. They should be changed frequently and for the same reason." From the movie, "Man of the Year"