Health status quo threat to economy
In response to the article "Yuman speaks out against reform" in the Yuma Sun on Aug. 16, it would have been nice if the newspaper had informed Lynn Matheus that the only ones being shut out of these health care forums are all those who want to be informed but are being shouted down by protesters. No wonder there is so much confusion about health care reform!
With all due respect, Matheus stated that America can't afford the new bill. Simply put, the status quo threatens the entire U.S. economy and everyone within it. Today, $16 out of every $100 created by the economy goes into our failing health care system. What many fail to see is that we're picking up the tab for those that have no health insurance.
Matheus compares our reform to socialized medicine. Health care reform will preserve the employer-based health care system, meaning an estimated 200 million Americans will continue to get their coverage through their employers. For people buying coverage for themselves, there would be a wider range of private health plans to choose from.
The public plan would merely force profit-making private plans to take whatever steps are necessary to become more competitive. The public plan won't be subsidized by the government. Subsidies go to families who need them in order to afford health care. The public plan cannot dip into general revenue to cover its costs. It must pay for itself. Even if it doesn't, in due time with the savings in other areas it will be better.
For those who think the best health care system in the world is the current monopoly, under the current system most of us have to go to approved doctors, have to wait to see a specialist, wait for authorization and then sometimes end up being denied certain treatments or get only partial pay for certain care. Every proposal that Congress is considering would allow people to choose their own doctors and hospitals.
Here is something to think about. We are in the military and we have truly socialized medicine. We military families would welcome the choices that you are being asked to accept. The entire system is not being changed!
As for Matheus' sign about grandma being "shovel-ready," health care reform will not give life and death decisions to the government. Those decisions will be made by individuals, their doctor and their family.
Why all the anger? Because Republican and some Democratic senators have joined the same old right-wing broadcast demagogues (wealthy) that have been spewing hate and fear for years.
The purpose of these forums was to learn, ask and suggest. It's easier to stir up fear and anger than to show enthusiasm for something that's yet to be formed. I believe in becoming fully educated in a certain subject before turning it down or giving it a thumbs up. I implore Yumans to please get facts first! Search and question ... then make an informed decision, not one made on emotions and misleading propaganda!
CASSANDRA HECKERT, Yuma
