By Billy Gear
Regarding the letter from Tony and Joy Velasquez printed on Aug. 11, I commend them for presenting their views on the controversial subject of health care reform clearly and rationally. It is encouraging to hear someone discuss the issue without screaming, whining, and fallacious content.
I have some comments about the points that were made: “2) require insurance companies to insure everyone, regardless of their conditions, without raising premiums.” In fact, this is one of the main changes that the president wants to make. The health insurance companies and the politicians that support them do not want this requirement. If they did, we would have it now. “6) Investigate and eliminate fraud in Medicare and Medicaid.” This sounds good but it might cost quite a bit. The fraud from false claims submitted by providers and medical supply firms is enormous in scope. “3) limit malpractice lawsuits; 4) provide scholarships for medical students; 5) subsidize low-income clinics: 8) subsidize education programs on diet and physical activity for children.” Again these sound good but they all involve government involvement and tax money, both of which are being used as arguments against reform.
I think some good ideas were presented, but those opposed to reform use the argument that these changes will bankrupt us, the same concern that the Velaquez” stated in their letter.
Billy Gear
Kelseyville
