The managed care association is running its TV ads in Washington for now but mapping a national strategy. Other groups, from the Business Roundtable to outfits with names such as the Patient Access to Specialty Care Coalition, are weighing in with spots on various sides of the issue. Not everyone is convinced that advertising will carry the day on this emotional subject. Any ad that we run is going to be a tough sell. The dueling advertising messages might best be described as a battle to define the bad guys.
Politicians win votes while families lose health coverage.
The estimate of 2 million people losing insurance is based on a study commissioned by the managed-care group. But a report this month by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office undercuts the idea that costs would soar under the Democratic legislation. The report said increased regulation would drive up the average premium by 4 percent, and another 1.2 percent for legislation that would give patients the right to sue their health plans for malpractice. These figures come from a study commissioned by the National Association of Manufacturers. It will have a huge impact on cost and ultimately will result in millions of people losing coverage.