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How Obama Wooed and Won the AMA: With a $228B Gift

Plan gives huge concession to doctor's group

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 14, 2009 11:16 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Ever since its cries of “socialized medicine” killed Harry Truman’s attempt to reform health care 60 years ago, the AMA has been not only a vociferous enemy of reform, but a deep-pocketed one—only the Chamber of Commerce has spent more on lobbying over the past decade. But this time the AMA's throwing that financial might behind President Obama’s effort, thanks in part to an eye-popping handout.

Democrats decided to rescind scheduled Medicare cuts in the bill, to the tune of $228 billion over the next decade. Democrats defend that as necessary for the stability of the medical system, but it stands as the most expensive concession any interest group has received. Doctors, too, stand to benefit as more patients gain health care access. “Doctors are really, really discouraged now about people not getting access to medical care,” says the group’s former president.

President Barack Obama address the American Medical Association during their annual meeting in Chicago, Monday, June 15, 2009.
President Barack Obama address the American Medical Association during their annual meeting in Chicago, Monday, June 15, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
President Barack Obama address the American Medical Association during their annual meeting in Chicago, Monday, June 15, 2009.
President Barack Obama address the American Medical Association during their annual meeting in Chicago, Monday, June 15, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 17 comments
NewserScooter
Sep 15, 2009 6:54 AM CDT
AMA Represents now only 17% of docs. And falling.
lindamae
Sep 15, 2009 6:00 AM CDT
Is it true that only @ 30% of all doctors belong to the AMA? That is what I've heard. I've also checked into the nurses group Obama keeps bragging about and they have about a 5,000 membership. Another doctor's group he uses for his "ads" has only @ 6,000 members - so their approval means nothing. Obama manipulates the facts. I bet that the groups are funded by a grant from George Soros. It is what he does best and often. After all, he is the "president" of the United States - Obama is his stooge.
WallyEFunk
Sep 14, 2009 10:46 AM CDT
@ rightthing don't worry about unquailied doctors. many work as janitors trying to prove there creditals ,as well as engineers etc. facts all over the net, support that findings. Like it should be though. And It's kinda sad that might be paying them off, but special interest group been doing that forever. Money not the majority of the PPL,change the politicians minds.

 
Medicare • lobbying • American Medical Association • health care reform • concession

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