Los Angeles Times

May 18, 2009

When a group crafted a plan for universal coverage in the 1970s, the insurance industry proudly announced that it was ready to compromise to serve the nation's best interests. Insurers were similarly gung-ho when universal coverage once again became a going concern in the 1990s. It sure was nice seeing representatives of the insurance industry sitting down with the president last week and declaring that they know the healthcare system needs to be overhauled and that they definitely want to be part of the solution. Once again the healthcare industry is presenting itself as a willing and enthusiastic agent of change. Does anyone believe that the outcome will be any different now from what happened 15 years ago?