The recently released Denzil Washington movie, “John Q,” has caused a swift
and aggressive reaction from the health care insurance industry. In an
unprecedented effort to blunt an anticipated adverse reaction from the public,
the health insurance industry has placed a number of expensive ads in major
entertainment industry magazines. The intent of the advertisements appears to be
to deflect criticism by redefining the theme of the film and focus the public on
more general “non-insurance” issues. “John Q,” a film by noted director Nick
Cassavetes, deals with the response of a father to his son’s denial of benefits
for a life saving medical procedure. For a detailed article concerning the issue
as well as an interesting survey concerning public response to the movie, please
go to
AMEDNews.
CNN anchor, Jeanne
Meserve, hosted a discussion featuring important figures in the nations HMO
healthcare debate on Sunday night. California medical school professor, Dr.
Marie Kuffner, Congressman Ken Bensten and attorney Archie Lamb participated in
the discussion and addressed issues presented in the recent Denzil Washington
film, “John Q,” as well as important considerations relative to the current
litigation between the nations physicians and eight of the nations largest
HMO’s. A complete transcript of the Sunday night show is available at CNN.Com in the “Transcripts” section.
Additional information concerning the litigation is available here, at HMO Crisis.Com as well as the
site for the federal district
court for the southern district of Florida.