WSJ editorial vs. WSJ news pages on insurance lobby opposition to reform

Written by Morgan Weiland

Published

In an August 5 editorial, The Wall Street Journal falsely claimed that the health insurance lobbies are "helping Democrats by keeping quiet" during the health care reform debate, adding that if they “were any quieter, they'd be Trappists.” In fact, the insurance industry reportedly significantly increased its spending on lobbying this year, and, as the Journal itself reported in a news article, insurers are “wag[ing] an aggressive campaign against Democrats' proposals to create a public health-insurance plan.”

From the Journal's August 5 editorial, “Dems vs. Dems”:

The real political news this month isn't Republicans vs. Democrats, and certainly not insurance companies vs. Democrats. If anything, the health-care business lobbies are helping Democrats by keeping quiet and hoping their silence buys their survival as heavily regulated utilities. If the insurance companies were any quieter, they'd be Trappists.

Journal falsely claimed insurance industry “keeping quiet”

The insurance industry reportedly significantly increased its spending on lobbying this year. According to a USA Today review of disclosure reports, "[t]he largest medical insurers and drug companies spent 41% more on lobbying this year as Congress began debate on an overhaul of health care, which may include a public insurance plan the industries oppose." Specifically, USA Today found that “20 of the largest health insurance and drug companies and their trade groups spent nearly $35 million in the first quarter of 2009, up more than $10 million from the same period last year.” USA Today added, “Drug and insurance companies support many changes Congress is considering but generally oppose government-run insurance.” [USA Today; 6/12/09]

WSJ editorial page contradicts WSJ reporting

WSJ reported that the insurers are “wag[ing] an aggressive campaign against” the public option. On July 30, the Journal reported that “insurers are pushing back against several proposals that lawmakers see as favorable to consumers,” adding: "[I]nsurers continue to wage an aggressive campaign against Democrats' proposals to create a public health-insurance plan. America's Health Insurance Plans has stationed employees in 30 states who are tracking where local lawmakers hold town-hall meetings." [The Wall Street Journal; 7/30/09]

WSJ reported that insurers are sending employees to town halls to “rebut” White House and Dems. The Journal reported in an article published the same day as the editorial:

The health-insurance industry said Tuesday it is launching an effort to send insurance-company employees to public meetings nationwide this month to rebut increasing criticism of the industry from the White House and top Democrats. “Attacking our community will not help get anyone covered,” said Karen Ignagni, chief executive of lobbying group America's Health Insurance Plans. The group spent $1.9 million lobbying during the second quarter, according to Senate disclosure records. [The Wall Street Journal; 8/5/09]