Former Health Care Exec Criticizes The Industry

Recorded from NPR's (National Public Radio) show "All things Considered" on August 11, 2009

Former Health Care Exec Criticizes The Industry

Madeleine Brand talks to Wendell Potter, a former chief spokesman at the Cigna Corporation, one of the nation's largest health insurers. Appearing before the Senate Commerce Committee in June, he criticized the health care industry for putting profits before patients. He is now a senior fellow at the Center for Media and Democracy.

MADELEINE BRAND, host:

One person who knows both sides of the health care debate is Wendell Potter. He was a top executive at Cigna Healthcare. He was working there the last time a Democratic president tried to massively overhaul health care and that was back in the early '90s. Last year, Wendell Potter became disillusioned with his industry, and he left to become an advocate of health care reform.

He recently testified in front of Congress. He told senators that the industry works, in his words, to confuse their customers and dump the sick, all so they can satisfy their Wall Street investors. Recently I spoke with Wendell Potter and I asked him to contrast the approach the health care industry used to oppose Clinton-era proposals with the industry's current strategy.

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[Smartassawhip]

Anyone who wants to know the truth regarding healthcare minus the bs should visit the comment section of my profile. You will be able to see which repubs and dems are in the pockets of big pharma and the insurance companies as well as their phone #'s. You will also find a link to the easier to read version of the bill sent out by congress and the answers to the most commonly asked questions. Thanks.

[3slimdog]

5 Star rating I give this im4wur. Good Video. Thanks for posting. Potter is my hero.

[aldenbuzz]

My hero, too.