Insurers and the Chamber of Commerce are stepping up lobbying against a health care overhaul with new television ads.
"The health insurance industry, which had been taking a relatively tempered approach to health care legislation, has stepped up its opposition to the overhaul efforts as it has become clear that the final product will not be to its liking," Roll Call reports. America's Health Insurance Plans "has started running television spots in 10 states, including the home state of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), warning senior citizens that their benefits could be slashed." AHIP also "blasted" Reid's decision to include a public option in Senate health legislation (Roth, 10/28).
The Associated Press: "Looking to build pressure on moderate Democrats, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce says it will begin airing new TV ads in seven states and on national cable television attacking the emerging legislation, including a government-run insurance option. … The ad is slated to start Wednesday" (10/27).
Meanwhile, other news organizations examine the complexities which some advocacy groups and their lobbyists are confronting.