Profit Vs. People

Morality and the Cost of Care
Season 14
• April 19, 2026

The Talk

With over two decades of experience in the health insurance industry, including serving as Vice President of Corporate Communications at Cigna, Potter offers an insider’s perspective on the ways profit motives influence decision-making within the healthcare system. After leaving his high-ranking position, Potter became a leading voice in the movement for health reform, shedding light on the challenges patients face in a system where financial incentives can outweigh patient care.

During his speech, Potter will discuss:

  • The role of profit in shaping healthcare policy and delivery
  • The moral dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals and patients
  • The social and financial costs of inadequate access to care
  • Potent solutions for transforming the healthcare landscape to prioritize people over profit

Potter’s insights have been widely featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardian, and he has appeared on numerous national media platforms, including PBS NewsHour and CNN. His latest book, “Deadly Spin”, exposes the manipulation and deceit behind the health insurance industry, offering readers an unflinching look at how the profit motive can sometimes override basic human needs.

Categories

HealthCommunity

The Speaker

Wendell Potter
Advocate for health insurance payment reform

At a Glance

Honors

With over two decades of experience in the health insurance industry, including serving as Vice President of Corporate Communications at Cigna, Potter offers an insider’s perspective on the ways profit motives influence decision-making within the healthcare system. After leaving his high-ranking position, Potter became a leading voice in the movement for health reform, shedding light on the challenges patients face in a system where financial incentives can outweigh patient care.

During his speech, Potter will discuss the role of profit in shaping healthcare policy and delivery, the moral dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals and patients, the social and financial costs of inadequate access to care and solutions for transforming the healthcare landscape to prioritize people over profit.

Potter’s insights have been widely featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Guardian.  He has appeared on numerous national media platforms, including PBS NewsHour and CNN.  His latest book, Deadly Spin exposes the manipulation and deceit behind the health insurance industry, offering readers an unflinching look at how the profit motive can sometimes override basic human needs.

Event Details

Date

April 19, 2026

Time

4:00pm

Venue

Fort Hill Performing Arts Center

Moderator

Evan Dawson

Evan Dawson, renowned journalist and host of Connections with Evan Dawson, is a seasoned moderator with a reputation for insightful and thought-provoking conversations.

As the host of Connections, he engages listeners in thought-provoking conversations about current events, culture, and societal issues. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life makes him a sought-after voice in the media landscape.

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Guests may connect to the hearing assistance system using their Bluetooth-enabled hearing
devices. Please bring your smartphone or compatible controller.

Neck loops are also available at the Box Office for guests who prefer not to use Bluetooth.

Yes. The Fort Hill Performing Arts Center is fully ADA accessible.
Accessibility features include:

  • Six wheelchair seating locations with companion seating
  • Three transfer seats with lift-up armrests
  • Six accessible parking spaces near the wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Elevator access to all public floors

If you need wheelchair seating, in advance, please notify the Fort Hill Performing Arts Center at
585-412-6043 or info@fhpac.org; or notify the Ewing Forum in advance by email at
info@gmeforum.org or text or call 585-313-8443.

Please note that accessible seating is not available in the mezzanine.

Free parking is available at:

  • Fort Hill Performing Arts Center
  • Fort Hill Avenue
  • Main Street

 

Parking attendants will be on site to direct you.

All Ewing Forum events are held at:

Fort Hill Performing Arts Center
120 Fort Hill Avenue
Canandaigua, NY 14424

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