| Edition |
1st U.S. ed. |
| Description |
x, 277 p. ; 25 cm. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (p. 253-261) and index. |
| Note |
"The disinformation campaigns with which health insurance companies hide misdeeds and manipulate public policy are laid bare in this searing j'accuse by one of their own. Potter, a former CIGNA public relations 'spin-meister' whose whistle-blowing congressional testimony made a splash, takes us into the war rooms where he and his fellow flacks battled bad publicity--their counterattack against the documentary Sicko included employee training in how to weather a Michael Moore ambush--and fought to stymie health-care legislation. (He helped formulate the rhetoric of socialism and death panels that thundered from Republican podiums.) He exposes the PR pros' propaganda tricks--fake grass-roots organizations, bogus scientific studies--and recounts his shame-faced repentance. But he also trenchantly critiques the failure of America's for-profit health-insurance system: the underhanded methods insurers use to "dump the sick"; the skyrocketing premiums and deductibles that put health care beyond the reach of millions; the obscene salaries executives rake in while denying benefits to patients. These criticisms aren't new, but Potter's street cred and deep knowledge of the industry make his indictment unusually vivid and compelling."--Reed Business. |
| Contents |
The beginning -- The campaign against Sicko -- Perception is reality -- Remote area medical in Wise County, Virginia -- Health care history, reform, and failure -- Consumer-driven care -- It's all about the money -- An end too soon -- Erisa Stymies the Sarkisyans, and us -- A victory, of sorts -- The playbook -- Spinning out of control. |
| Summary |
Potter shows how a huge chunk of health care spending actually bankrolls a propaganda campaign and lobbying effort focused on protecting one thing: profits. |
| Subject |
Health care reform -- Economic aspects.
|
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Health care reform -- United States -- 21st century.
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Health insurance -- Corrupt practices.
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Health insurance -- United States.
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Insurance companies -- Public relations -- United States.
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Insurance, Health -- economics -- United States. |
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Delivery of Health Care -- economics -- United States. |
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Health Care Reform -- economics -- United States. |
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Health Care Sector -- economics -- United States. |
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Public Relations -- economics -- United States. |
| ISBN |
9781608192816 |
|
1608192814 |
|
