Private insurers step into spotlight on healthcare reform

Most key health-reform measures gaining momentum in Washington not only leave private health plans intact but also may give them a greater role. In addition, the health insurance industry got to ride the coattails of the attention brought by President Barack Obama's speech to the American Medical Association as he sought the physicians' support of his health-care reform initiatives. Throughout the AMA's five-day policy meeting, doctors maintained their support of the private health insurance system.