FIXING THE GAME

Ideas from the insurance industry and its supporters

Fixed Rule:

Cheerleaders for the status quo like to oppose commonsense health care reforms that might lower the high profits of their respective special interests—be it pharmaceutical companies, medical equipment manufacturers or insurance companies—by trying to scare us into believing it will lead to government coming between doctors and their patients. They did it with the funding for comparative effectiveness research included in the economic recovery package that was signed into law in February 2009.

The same rhetoric is used when the choice of public health insurance is discussed. But just who is interfering in doctors’ medical decisions? A survey of doctors conducted by the Medical Society of the State of New York reveals that doctors feel pressured by health insurance companies to alter the way they treat their patients.

Learn more in this week’s Foul Play.

Fair Rule:

A public alternative to insurance company coverage that is accountable to us.
Fair regulation and oversight of insurance companies, with government as a watchdog.

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Read more in the "Fixing the Game" Archive.

PRIVATE INSURANCE 101: Understand how private insurance works THE RULE BOOK: Find out the rules in your state GLOSSARY: Health Insurance Terms

LATEST SCORECARD

Half of U.S. Doctors Report Insurance Restricts Medications or Treatment Decisions

Fifty-eight percent of primary care doctors in the U.S. report their patients often have difficulty paying for medications and care, and half of U.S. doctors spend substantial time dealing with restrictions insurance companies place on their patients’ care, according to the 2009 Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Survey.

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Family Premiums for Employer-Sponsored Coverage Rose About 5%

Families saw their premiums for job-based health insurance rise to an average of $13,375 annually in 2009, with workers paying an average share of $3,515 and employers paying $9,860.