Player Profile: Chip Kahn

Courtesy Who Runs Gov

Current Position: President, Federation of American Hospitals (since 2001)

Why He Matters
The driving force behind the ad campaign that undermined Bill Clinton’s 1993 health-reform plan, Charles N. Kahn III is back in the ring for the debate over Barack Obama’s health-care overhaul.

Kahn was an insurance lobbyist when he masterminded the famed “Harry and Louise” ads 16 years ago, Now he heads the Federation of American Hospitals (FHA), and he’s still a crucial health-reform player. His name is a staple on both The Hill’s annual list of top lobbyists and Modern Healthcare’s annual “Most Powerful” list.

He sits on influential coalitions -- including Senate Health, Education and Labor Committee Chairman Edward M. Kennedy’s (D-Mass.) “Workhorse Group” -- the coalition of stakeholders that has been meeting behind closed doors to hash out health reform before drafting legislation.

Like most of the stakeholders in the reform debate, Kahn says he expects things to be different this time around. His group is arguing for universal coverage, including mandating that individuals carry health insurance.

Like most of the stakeholders in the reform debate, Kahn says he expects things to be different this time around. His group is arguing for universal coverage, including mandating that individuals carry health insurance.

But questions remain on major issues such as what will be included in the standard benefits package, how to regulate private insurance companies and how to pay for reforms.
The issues are interconnected, Kahn says, calling health reform those interrelated issues a mosaic. And he’s committed to making it work. "From my standpoint, we're all on the train together,” he told Newsweek. “And I expect to ride it all the way into a signing ceremony."Connolly, Katie, “No Harry and Louise,” Newsweek, March 14, 2009