"The nation's largest insurers, hospitals and medical groups have hired more than 350 former government staff members and retired members of Congress in hopes of influencing their old bosses and colleagues," the Washington Post reports.

"The tactic is so widespread that three of every four major health-care firms have at least one former insider on their lobbying payrolls... The hirings are part of a record-breaking influence campaign by the health-care industry, which is spending more than $1.4 million a day on lobbying in the current fight."

You get what you pay for. Now is the time to call your Senators and put in your two cents, (202) 224- 3121. Here's a primer on the current battle.