Insurers' employees counter criticism

The health insurance industry is sending thousands of its employees to town-hall meetings and other forums during Congress's August recess to try to counter a tide of criticism directed at the insurers. Among the throngs of Americans crowding the sessions, the industry employees come armed with talking points about the need for bipartisan legislation and the unintended consequences of a government-run health plan to compete with private insurers. A "Town Hall Tips" memo written by America's Health Insurance Plans warns people attending the meetings to expect harsh criticism directed at health plan employees and asks employees to remain calm and not yell at members of Congress.