Comments on: Exclusive: Whistleblower reveals how insurers can game healthcare bill

By: Nancy Swan

Nancy Swan — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:26:10 +0000

I wonder what the story is from the whistleblower’s point of view? I was a whistleblower in a high profile judicial bribery investigation. News stories typically focus on the perps and law enforcement and ignored the stories of the victim, those caught in the squeeze play. Even less attention is focused on the emotional, physical, and monetary risks to whistleblowers. See story, news, and resources about victims of corruption and whistleblowers. http://www.nancyswan.com. Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ToxicJustice

By: Brad Jacobson

Brad Jacobson — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:21:28 +0000

Thanks, Lex.

And well said. I was just reading an article yesterday about the very same thing. The theory seems to make sense. And from that perspective, it’s like so many unsustainable corporate practices that continue to the overwhelming detriment of society as a whole just so a few can pad their fortunes in the near term.

By: Lex

Lex — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 01:46:23 +0000

Incredible…not that it isn’t to be expected, but incredible none-the-less. Thanks much.

Clearly the bill is meant as a preemptive bailout of an industry that would (i’ve read a reasonable argument) collapse in the next 5 – 10 years, especially if there’s no economic uptick on ole Main Street.

But what gets me in the interview is the medical-loss ratio. That’s really where it’s at, and if my information is correct, the European nations that achieve universal coverage through market mechanisms mandate 100% for the medical-loss ration on the most basic plan. Sure, i realize and god forbid that The Street wouldn’t get so much to skim off the top, but if a “market” solution is the only one America is capable of, then we need to see that 100% number.

The industry will still collapse, even with the reform, it’s just that a few will be able to get more blood from the many before it does.