BlueCross BlueShield - Ally of Labor: Really?

I recently received my copy of "Labor Matters", a newsletter from Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). It states it is a publication for, "...anyone working in or with organized labor".

In this fall issue, their front page story explains why a "public option" is a bad idea and that it, "...would undermine the ultimate goals of reform and unravel the existing employer-based system...”

On the AFL-CIO's website concerning Health Care Reform, it posts this following information:

The Washington Post reports that in the spirit of “Harry and Louise”—the phony couple created by the health insurance industry to spread lies and fear to help defeat health care reform in the 1990s—is set to reappear in North Carolina. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina are set to launch a similar misinformation campaign. The main goal? Defeat public insurance plan option. The storyboards paint pictures of months-long waits for care, rationing and other horror stories.

Chet Burrell, President and CEO of CareFirst/BlueCross BlueShield said in their 2008 annual report:

‘We expect 2009 to be challenging as the Obama Administration and Congress give priority to health care issues and as the industry prepares for a profoundly changed landscape. In this environment we seek to be a constructive force for change and to reach higher levels of service to our 3.4 million members and the larger community we serve.’

I find it strange that while BCBS claims to have the best interests at heart for those of us with and within the labor community - their actions parallel the for profit insurance companies. In the 2008 annual report, they showed in 2007 total revenue of 6.1 billion dollars with a profit of 180.5 million dollars. In 2008, they showed revenues of 6.6 billion and at the time of the report a profit of 9.3 million dollars. It is unclear how complete the 9.3 million dollar figures are. You can check out the summary of the report here: (2008 Annual Report)

How can such a "claimed ally" work against one of the fundamental pieces of healthcare reform? Without a public option, insurance companies will enjoy a feeding frenzy of profit unknown to them in their entire history. Their coffers will be bursting at the seams - due not in a small way to the mandate of the Federal Government. Without a public option, there will be nothing to stop them from ratcheting up the cost of healthcare year after year. We already see the results of similar deals. The pharmaceutical industry has already raised its prices so it has an even higher starting point down the road. This too is an industry that will experience never before seen profits. With all of America covered, Americans will now be able to see their doctor without fear of what it will cost - their doctor will prescribe medications and this will be compounded across the country.

Another huge boon to the pharmaceutical industry. One should question, when is enough -- enough?

Communications Workers of America, a labor union that proudly serves members in communications, telecommunications, newspaper, television, law enforcement, flight attendants, public workers, printing industry and others totaling approximately 650,000 members have this to say about a “Public Insurance” option.

Everyone should be able to select from several private health plans, as many can do now through their employer, and have the option of choosing a public health insurance plan similar to Medicare.

• Public health insurance plans control costs much better than private health insurance companies because of reduced administrative costs and stronger bargaining power with providers.
• A public health insurance plan will create competition in a private insurance market that is highly concentrated today.
• A public health insurance plan will give consumers another insurance choice, provide a wide choice of providers, and provide a guaranteed backup so that everyone can obtain quality health care. (See it all here)

I believe that this fight is one of the most important struggles of the American Labor Movement’s recent history. It will be another defining moment – just as Labor brought us the weekend, the 40 work week and an end to child labor, it can also bring us true healthcare reform that is the right of all societies. The labor movement is defined by its moral compass – it leads us down the path of social and economic justice. This journey can be more keenly defined as simply a path for equality. Equality for every human being on this planet. We are not just fighting for those people who are union members, we fight for all people. Labor understands and knows in the deepest recesses of its heart that making things equal for all people is the only way to lift society together, leaving not one person behind.

We must not let the spirit of greed possess the soul of equality.

Together, we are a mighty force for change. If you are a person who is covered by BCBS, send them a message and let them know that as customers, we do not want them fighting against us and the public insurance option. I was unable to locate an email address for them both, so write a great letter to Chet Burrell, President and CEO of BCBS and send an e-mail to Bonnie Summers, Executive Director of the National Labor Office, send the letters to their offices below:

Chet Burrell, President and CEO
CareFirst – BlueCross BlueShield
1501 S. Clinton Street
Baltimore, MD 21224

Bonnie Summers, Executive Director
National Labor Office
1310 G Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
bonnie.summers@bcbsa.com
202.626.8635

In Solidarity – We shall overcome!