WHAT WE'RE DEALING WITH: Groups Back Health Reform, but Seek Cover

[polichick]

The top lobbyists for every major sector of the health care industry publicly insist they are squarely behind the Obama administration’s health care reform. But as the debate gets down to the details, the lines dividing friend from foe are getting blurry.

Each industry group is also working quietly to scuttle or reshape some element of the administration’s proposals that might hurt profits — usually some measure aimed at cost control.

The drug industry, for example, struck a deal with the Obama administration and is now waging a major advertising campaign to help push the health care overhaul. But the drug makers also abhor one of its cost-cutting components: a government initiative to study the effectiveness of treatments that the companies fear could mean lower payments for certain drugs.

So drug lobbyists have enlisted the help of Tony Coelho, a former Democratic congressman who cites his battle with epilepsy to make their case.

Much more...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/12/health/policy/12lobby.html?_r=1&th&emc=th

[polichick]

1. Kicking so that more can see this important piece - we shouldn't let up on our reps. nt