How Much of Your Health Insurance Premium Goes to Lobbyists?

An article in the Washington Post reminds us about all that is wrong with the American healthcare system.

According to the article:

The nation's largest insurers, hospitals and medical groups have hired more than 350 former government staff members and retired members of Congress in hopes of influencing their old bosses and colleagues, according to an analysis of lobbying disclosures and other records.

The tactic is so widespread that three of every four major health-care firms have at least one former insider on their lobbying payrolls, according to The Washington Post's analysis.

It goes on to explain that the healthcare industry -- that would be insurers, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, physician groups, hospitals and consultants -- are spending $1.4 million a DAY on their lobbying in an effort to be sure they don't lose their corners of the healthcare money pie.

And you thought healthcare was intended to provide you with care! No. As stated here many times before: American healthcare is not about health or care. It's about sickness and money - using sickness to make money.

I have to wonder how much of my monthly premium actually pays for those lobbyists? The irony, of course, is that I'm paying for the lobbying and I have no idea whether they represent my point of view.

It will be something to take a look at when it's time to re-up on my choice of insurers come open enrollment time next Fall.

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Senator Chuck Grassley speaks, observed by Senators Max Baucus (left) and Jay Rockefeller (right). Are they being influenced by all those lobbyists we are paying for? Photo © Mark Wilson / Getty Images