Health insurance companies invest billions in fast food industry

Should we be aghast?

An investigation from Harvard Medical School and the Cambridge Health Alliance reveals that a number of major insurance companies own stock in the fast-food industry.

How much stock?

A LOT!

A cluster of U.S., Canadian, and European health and life insurance companies own nearly $2 billion worth of stock in McDonald’s, KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Jack in the Box, etc.

In a Cambridge Health Alliance press release, the lead researcher had this to say: “Our data illustrate the extent to which the insurance industry seeks to turn a profit above all else. Safeguarding people’s health and well-being take a back seat to making money.”

Obviously HE’S aghast.

But should we be surprised that the insurance industry seeks to turn a profit above all else? It’s like saying a quarterback seeks to put the ball in the end zone above all else.

It’s what they do!

And since when do insurance companies safeguard people’s health and well-being? Well, I mean other than TV advertisements where insurance reps couldn’t be more thoughtful and compassionate. But that’s a feel-good fantasy of insurance.

If Cambridge and Harvard do a follow up study and find that Whole Foods Natural Organic Market and someone like Dr. Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., own billions of dollars worth of fast food stocks, THEN I’ll be aghast.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson

Source:
“Health, Life Insurers Hold Nearly $2 Billion in Fast Food Stocks” Press release from Cambridge Health Alliance, 4/15/10, cha.harvard.edu