Al Franken Talks to “Tea Party” Activists – Turns the Encounter Into a Productive Conversation on Healthcare

You may or may not have read about the “tea parties” in the news, if not, check out the link below. Good interaction from Al Franken here on handling their questions, unexpectedly. I do agree with his comments too on allowing Medicare to negotiate directly with the drug companies as that is a good example of money coming right out for administration of pharmacy benefit. Things have changed since Part D was implemented with most Pharma companies being out of that business now and selling their PBMs.

Medicare just needs the data capabilities to administer and work directly with Pharmacy Benefit Managers is about the only hold up I can really see to delay this. Insurance companies make big profits from this side of the business and one more contributing reason to the rising cost of both healthcare and health insurance. BD

The Medical Quack: The United HealthCare “Tea Parties” – Enlisting ...

“About a dozen tea party activists had staked out Sen. Al Franken's booth, and confronted him loudly when he arrived. But within minutes, he'd turned an unruly crowd into a productive conversation on health care. The discussion went from insurance reform, to the public option, to veterans benefits, to cap and trade. He made a few laugh and even told a touching story that moved a few to tears. A whole lot of common ground was found.”

Also down below is another video from a Town Hall Meeting with Dr. Senator Coburn listening to a woman who’s child has severe health issues showing another side of Town Hall meetings.