U.S. Health-Care Providers Brace for Impact of "Sicko"

As most people who have been following the publicity buildup for Michael Moore's Sicko probably already know, the U.S. Treasury Department is investigating the legality of Moore' recent trip to Cuba. Apparently, though, the Treasury Department is not the only group of people that has been riled by Moore. Unsurprisingly, the U.S. health-care industry is nervous about the extent to which the film will be able to sway public opinion against it. Karen Ignani, president of America's Health Insurance Plans, said, "I don't think Michael Moore set out to make a balanced movie. He set out to make a movie about government-run systems and imposing them on the United States as a solution to the health care crisis". Ken Johnson, senior vice president of Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, said, "A review of America's health care system should be balanced, thoughtful and well-researched to pin down what works and what needs to be improved. You won't get that from Michael Moore". Moore has admitted that he blundered when he announced early on that he intended to make a film about the U.S. healthcare system, because it has made insurance companies reluctant to talk to him.