An Oct. 29 Newsmax article by David Patten asserts that “Skyrocketing insurance premiums will slam millions of consumers next year because of “indirect taxes” contained in both the House and Senate versions of healthcare reform,” a view Patten attributes to “various medical and insurance industry experts.” As Patten has often done, he fails to acknowledge the conservative leanings of his “experts.”
For instance, Patten describes Douglas Holtz-Eakin only as “the former director of the Congressional Budget Office,” failing to note that he also worked for John McCain’s presidential campaign. Patten also cites Dr. Russell Blaylock, who we last saw fearmongering about flu vaccines, a largely right-wing endeavor.
Patten also uncritically repeats claims made by insurance companies, and he quotes a few Republican congressmen without identifying how they can be considered “experts” on health care.