More Proof AHIP’s Not Really Listening
07/24/08 | Comment (0)
As if Karen Ignagni's slippery answers to tough questions weren't proof enough, as if AHIP's history as a front group for the insurance industry weren't convincing, we have this, via Chris Fates at the Politico:
The progressive group Health Care for America Now on Thursday launched another jab at the insurance industry’s health care reform campaign. The new YouTube ad mocks the listening tour launched this week by America’s Health Insurance Plans.
The video spot highlights the fact that calls to the campaign’s 800 number go straight to voice mail. A frustrated caller leaves a message saying, in part, “If you really want to listen, pick up the phone.”
You heard that right. AHIP's new listening tour lists an 800 number as a contact, and that 800 number goes directly to voicemail. Here's the original video:
As Fates notes, he got the same message when we called in. And AHIP didn't return his request for a comment. Big surprise.
The health insurance industry wants to seem like it's listening to you, but they are only looking out for one thing: Their bottom line.
It didn't take long for AHIP's fake campaign to come crumbling down.
UPDATE:
Slate's Timothy Nash ads this:
Trivia point: The same phone number was previously used in a lobby campaign by the Poker Players Alliance, whose chairman is former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato of New York, aka "Senator Pothole." The alliance, which represents the online gaming industry, fought unsuccessfully against a bill restricting online poker.
