"President Obama had few nice things to say about insurance companies in his speech on health care last night, but leaders of two of this region's largest private insurers -- Independence Blue Cross and Aetna Inc. -- gave him generally high marks anyway," the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. He did draw one line in the sand that insurers hoped for: a mandate for all Americans to have health insurance. In exchange for such a mandate, insurers have said they would agree to end the practice of excluding people from coverage because of pre-existing conditions. One insurance executive said he found the "call to action refreshing" and that "we're closer to reform than we've ever been" (Burling, 9/10).
Insurance agents, on the other hand, aren't so thrilled. "Local insurance agents believe health care reform won't be good for their business, but they also seem certain that many families and individuals would not like sweeping changes," the Modesto Bee reports. "[B]rokers and agents who work with consumers every day [say they] believe many people are satisfied with the health system" (Carlson, 9/10).
Obama Stands By Public Plan During Radio Talk Show Interview
President Barack Obama is standing his position that a public option for health insurance coverage should be considered as part of legislation to overhaul the health care system, .
President Barack Obama is standing his position that a public option for health insurance coverage should be considered as part of legislation to overhaul the health care system, .
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Huge Numbers Opt for Health Insurance Despite Cost
Concern over huge waiting lists at public hospitals has led to more numbers opting for health insurance despite escalating health insurance costs.
Concern over huge waiting lists at public hospitals has led to more numbers opting for health insurance despite escalating health insurance costs.
Health Insurance Industry Cries Foul
Officials in the health insurance industry discuss their efforts to reform the current system and recent attacks against them.
Officials in the health insurance industry discuss their efforts to reform the current system and recent attacks against them.
