Did anyone else watch the program about health insurance last night on NBC?

[Skidmore]

Wendell Potter's move to role of activist was chronicled in it, along with the case that moved him to leave CIGNA. There were several other cases that were followed discussing the thorny problems with health insurance and decisionmaking to ration (yes, ration) healthcare service. It was well worth viewing and should be repeated to educate the public.

I checked here and didn't note anyone else viewing. Just wanted to ask.

Edited to correct program broadcast network. Sorry for the error.

[midnight]

1. To bad this was not being played last summer to offset the teabaggers..

I have seen a interview of him, but not this one. He makes a case to dismantle the system that is being bailed out.

[Skidmore]

2. He went to visit the family of the girl who was refused care by CIGNA

and it was heartwrenching to watch the family and him. I have tremendous admiration for this man. Having been in the whistle-blower role myself once, I know how hard it is to step out and risk everything to try to right a wrong you see. I'm happy he could grab hold of something that propelled him forward. So many of us lose our careers, some lose their families and financial well-being, and physical and mental health. If more people would stand up and say no when they observe wrongdoing, perhaps problems would not become so firmly institutionalized.

[PA Democrat]

3. Are you talking about Dateline on NBC?

Link to Dateline's "Critical Condition" here:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032600/

[Skidmore]

7. My error. My husband started watching 60 minutes and

must have changed the channel. I guess we did end up watching Dateline.

[lamp_shade]

4. Yes. It was fantastic and I agree it should be repeated OFTEN. Here's an earlier thread....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7562475

[Frustratedlady]

5. No, I missed that. Is it available on the Net?

I admire him for speaking his mind...particularly against such a giant industry as the health care insurance group.

[Skidmore]

12. See my post below.

[nenagh]

6. Obama invite Wendell Potter

for a meeting at the White House...

[peace frog]

8. Saw it

I too admire and applaud Wendell Potter for leaving Cigna to become a healthcare insurance whistleblower. But I couldn't help wondering, is his the sole responsible conscience of the industry? The only other industry whistleblower I recall is the lady featured in Michael Moore's movie Sicko, Linda Pino (sp?). If they are the only two with a moral conscience then may God help us all.

[donco6]

9. It was absolutely damning.

Did you see Blue Cross of CA sent a letter, saying "they were sorry you weren't going to hear both sides of the story." After seeing the story, I'm thinking "Now what possible side could they HAVE? What could they possibly say or show that would justify THAT?" Really.

[Vinca]

10. I watched it and can't imagine how anyone who has insurance

would be okay with the status quo. What a heartbreaking show. The poor man who had the heart attack and might have been brought back to be fully functional had he gotten rehabilitative therapy immediately was especially sad. What will ever happen to the poor man and his child when the parents are gone? Obscene is the word that comes to mind about this whole situation.

[Skidmore]

11. Here's a link which people can watch for themselves online.

http://rippol.com/watch/news/critical-condition:-watch-full-show/?v=2915718


There is also an option which allows you to put it on Facebook. I just missed the window to add it to my original post.

[Frustratedlady]

13. Thank you. I did find the transcript and read it.

I spent a month (6 phone calls and 3 faxes) trying to "quit" UHC (United Health Care). They wouldn't give me a date when they were ending my coverage, which I needed for the new insurance company. They drug it out until Dec. 31st so they could keep the premium for the month (I had contacted them on the 3rd). They are ornery, as well as cruel and money-grubbing.

[Frustratedlady]

14. Oh, my! How fortunate I was to have Medicare when my husband was ill.

I'm sure they have their limits, too, but not when there is hope. We were never denied coverage when my parents and in-laws were ill.

I still think opening up Medicare would have worked best. It's already set up and the bigger the pool, the more they could do for the patient.

How can Republicans and others insist the insurance conglomerates are right and the Dems are wrong? Has this country been dumbed-down so far, they are sheeple? (My apologies to sheep.)

Thanks again for the link. I bawled through much of it.

[robinlynne]

15. YEs. I actually thought it was good. I was surprised.