After an update on the latest news, we welcome Wendell Potter back to the show to discuss how the GOP is bound and determined to kill off the Affordable Care Act, and what needs to be done in order to save it. Plus the latest on Potter's new news organization, Tarbell.
Two big news stories broke during today's show: Trump Told Russians That Firing ‘Nut Job’ Comey Eased Pressure From Investigation Russia probe reaches current White House official, people familiar with the case say Today on the show, we had a few health checks... first, your computer. As the WannaCry ransomware attack hit organizations all over the world this week, I called on Ralph Echemendia, "the ethical hacker" to give us a primer on what it's all about and how to protect ourselves. And Wendell Potter, health insurance whistle blower, joined in to tell us about his new venture, Tarbell.org, a [...]
Today is my final show before taking some time off for surgery and recuperation. I honestly can't remember the last time I took an extended period of time off. I moved my show online the night Air America went off the air and, aside from a sick day or a travel day here and there, I've been on the air. This time I'm putting my health first. So after I chat with Wendell Potter today, I'm taking some time off. I have pre-op appointments tomorrow and Friday, and surgery is Tuesday, so I'm really not slacking off. And since [...]
Nicole talks about how lies told by interested parties and perpetrated by the media have consequences - from the Affordable Care Act to Ferguson, MO. Former health insurance executive turned whistle blower and author Wendell Potter and @GottaLaff guest.
I've been calling the for-profit health insurance industry "government sanctioned extortion" for a few years now. It wasn't until I read Time magazine's cover story this week, "Bitter Pill: Why Medical Bills are Killing Us" that I realized that the whole medical industrial complex is complicit in the crime! And some of the worst offenders are the so-called "non-profit" hospitals that are raking in billions of dollars in profits and their obscenely paid executives. In the article, we learn about the "chargemaster" or the master pricelist from which each hospital compiles the exorbitant bills. No hospital’s chargemaster prices are [...]
This morning, we explored President Obama's address at an AP luncheon yesterday. Honestly, I think it's one of the best he's given; I just wish he'd listen to what he says. If you missed it, see the whole thing here: Or just listen to today's show, as I played most of the highlights.... including his dire predictions of the end of Medicare should Paul Ryan's budget be adopted. I welcomed Wendell Potter back to the show this morning. We became acquainted with Wendell a few years ago as he emerged from the darkness the is the for-profit health insurance industry [...]
Today begins the 112th Congress... John Boehner will usher in a new era as Speaker Weeper of the House. It should be fun to hear him say this part of his prepared speech "The American people have humbled us. They have refreshed our memories as to just how temporary the privilege to serve is. They have reminded us that everything here is on loan from them. That includes this gavel, which I accept cheerfully and gratefully, knowing I am but its caretaker." Shall we take bets on whether or not he'll be crying when he says "cheerfully?" I'm afraid [...]
