America's Health Insurance Plans, an association of "nearly 1,300 member companies providing health insurance coverage to more than 200 million Americans," sent this statement when I asked them about Rep. Nancy Pelosi's classification of insurance companies as "immoral" "villains," "carpet-bombing" the debate:
"Health care reform is far too important to be dragged down by divisive political rhetoric from Washington, DC. "Health plans have been working in support of bipartisan health care reform for three years. Our community has proposed guaranteed coverage for pre-existing conditions, discontinuing rating based on a person's health status or gender, and a personal coverage requirement to get everyone into the system. We have proposed far-reaching administrative reforms to slash paperwork, reduce medical errors, and ensure doctors and hospitals can focus on patient care. "Countless physicians, hospitals and employers, and millions of concerned citizens agree that a government-run health care plan will dismantle employer-based coverage, bankrupt local hospitals, and break the promise made to the American people that those who like their health plan can keep it. "Health plans remain committed to working constructively in support of bipartisan health care reform."
AHIP CEO Karen Ignani was among the health representatives and lobbyists on the list of folks visiting the White House. I wonder if Obama knows with whom he's fraternizing, according to the Speaker.