Interesting title huh? A good friend of mine, Eric Johnson, and I decided to do just that. Instead of continuing to shout that those that believe a single payer system would be good for America are wrong, and that we, who believe in keeping the financing of health care in the private market are right we decided to do a little research into their argument.
What we found is that they actually do have a compelling, if not incredibly emotional argument for single payer. What newspaper doesn't want to write an article about how the big bad insurance companies are making million dollar bonuses off the backs of our hard working, tax paying citizens, and our reward, they say is denied coverage, increasing premiums, etc..
The fact is they do have a valid point. We have major issues and inadequacies in this industry. Those issues though, I believe are better addressed in the private market rather than being turned over to government control.
The challenge? To get people / citizens / consumers to sit down and listen to both sides of the issue and have enough information to make an INFORMED decision rather than soaking up media soundbites both sides are quite capable of getting into the mainstream media.
So, we wrote a play / skit / mock trial and put our private health care system to the test! Eric, the prosecuting attorney (in favor of single payer), and myself, of course the defense attorney went to work to prove our points.
We have put this trial on 3 times now, the latest being in Louisville, KY at the NAHU Region III conference and we are having a blast. Not to mention presenting both sides of a very controversial issue. Of course it is a comedy. Who wants to listen to health insurance issues for 3 hours unless they can laugh! I want to send a HUGE shout out to Linda Erlenbach, VP Region 3 for making us feel welcome and putting on a tremendous conference. Linda, you are the best!!
On a more personal note I want to thank my husband, Chris! The guy that is always behind the scenes growing our business, taking care of our children, giving me the opportunity to travel the country and spread the message of why keeping the financing of health care in the private market is so important.
This is not just business for me, this is personal. Chris and I have 3 children and 4 grandchildren (expectng our 5th.. congrats to our son, Chris Jr. and his wife, Sara on expecting their 4th). How they access health care in the future is of great concern to me, and should be to all of you reading this blog.
Don't forget to tune into the radio show this week. We will be discussing the never ending issue of individual health insurance policies offered under a cafeteria plan. Our guest, John R. Hickman with Alston & Bird.
Have a GREAT week!!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
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