First, a quick little side tangent of health care humor from one of my favorite comedians, Lewis Black. 

Now that we’ve lightened the mood at little bit, let’s take a look at the more depressing reality. 

The following is a link to an interview of with Wendell Potter, a former insurance executive with CIGNA.  I won’t giveaway too much about the interview, because I think you should take some and watch it for yourself.  But there was one part part that especially grabbed my attention…

As Mr. Potter points out, these publicly traded health insurance giants have made their most important customer Wall St.  One of the measures investors most closely analyze is how much of each dollar paid by the policy holder is applied directly to providing health care.  Over the last decade and a half this number has dropped 15% and shows no real sign of changing course.  In other words, insurance companies are actively seeking ways to not spend your money on your health. 

That’s not okay.  I don’t think it makes me socialist to say so either.

Really, take the time to watch this interview.  If it you don’t find it to be eye opening then I’ll assume you’re eyes have been sewn shut:

Bill Moyers Interview with Wendell Potter