(flickr user kokopinto (cc: by-sa))
Health care has been on the top of Washington's agenda for weeks now. The U.S. Senate is still battling it out and with the August recess looming, it is unlikely that the national health care debate will end any time soon. For a closer look at the way the Senate wages war, The Takeaway talks to former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. As the Republican leader from Tennessee, Frist had a front row seat to health care debates. And as a heart surgeon, Frist had first-hand knowledge about the practice of medicine and the intersection of health care, insurance, and medical practice. He also has just written a book called A Heart to Serve: The Passion to Bring Health, Hope, and Healing
"President Obama—he’s the most inspirational politician I’ve ever met. But at the end of the day he should’ve been focusing on those Blue Dog Democrats, bringing them into the room."
—Bill Frist, on Obama's handling of the politics of health care reform
Click through for a transcript of the conversation with Dr. Bill Frist.
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The Takeaway is a national morning news program that invites listeners to be part of the American conversation. Hosts John Hockenberry and Celeste Headlee, along with partners The New York Times, BBC World Service, WNYC, Public Radio International and WGBH Boston, deliver news and analysis and help you prepare for the day ahead.
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If you are pissed at the insurance industry…
Email Karen Ignani, the CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans, the insurance industry lobbying group.
Karen Ignani email address…. kignani@ahip.org
It's not even clear that this bill will save money. This bill as it stands implements FOCA without having to have it voted on. See Stoptheabortionmandate.com for the recent internet program. This bill could be called the Planned Parenthood bailout bill.
This bill also includes rationing of care for the elderly, disabled, and seriously ill.
We need reform, but this is not it.
The distortion of facts reflects the desperation of lobbying money. There is no plan for a government-takeover that's Republican spin. The country would benefit by having our government work for all with a publicly available health care system that would promote competition. Anyone paying attention knows that the first OMB report stated clearly that the best and only way to achieve significant savings is a single-payer system. Yet, Bacchus refused any consideration! The health insurance industry fears competition since cost efficiencies would hurt their bottom line. It's in the country's best interest to view our medical care as a matter of economic health, rather than one based purely on profit. It's shameful that too few of our Democratic senators can't seem to get their heads around real economic reform through better health care.
We need health care reform, but this isn't it: it's anti-life, and, as the details come out, we see that's it's complete government control.
Why don't you reveal Bill Frist's biases in making millions from family business HCA. Media reporters are at fault for giving a platform for special interest lobbyists without revealing who they are and what they represent.
So when are you going to bring Howard Dean, MD and HIS speechwriter to the conversation?
And when are you going to bring in someone who actually knows something about the National Health Service in England to answer Frist's slanders? Slanders they are. Those of us with friends and relatives in the U.K. know they are slanders. Those of use who have been in the company of travelers needing care know this is a slander. I know it is a slander. I'm one of those travelers. Whatever reputation the Takeaway has for a lack of bias hangs on your response to this issue. I'm not hopeful.
It was a puff piece Bryce. Did you hear Jon at the end saying he wasn't 'to hard on him.' PATHETIC!
All health care systems ration health care - otherwise why would we need a "system". Health care is a limited resource, like hotel rooms and honest politicians. The Take Away always seemed like a smart show to wake up to. But letting Bill Frist label a public health care option as a potential cause for rationing did the debate a terrible disservice. When someone labels public health care plans as "rationing" the proper response is to challenge them. Say, "All health care systems ration. We need a system that rations in the least cruel way possible." I can't believe I have to tell you guys this.
Bill Frist? Are you kidding me? This guy got very, very wealthy riding the wave of the rising cost of health care
with family business HCA. This is the same company that was indicted for Medicaid and Medicare fraud and paid a
$1.7 Billion settlement to the feds. This is the clown who diagnosed Terry Schiavo long distance via a video tape. This guy is an unfunny JOKE.
Rick Evans
Massachusetts