Bill has potential to be worse than worthless

Editor, The Times:

The Senate recently combined the Health Committee and Finance Committee health-care bills into one that includes mandatory insurance and an opt-out public option [“House health-care bill unveiled with fanfare,” News, Oct. 30].

States with conservative politicians who for whatever reason wish to have only private insurance will be allowed to opt out. I feel pity for Americans who live in those states.

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden had offered an amendment allowing Americans to choose their insurance provider, including the public choice, if one doesn’t like their current coverage. If such a provision isn’t included in the health-care reform act placed upon President Obama’s desk, the health-care reform bill will be worse than worthless.

A recent Harvard University study demonstrated that 45,000 people die yearly because they lack insurance. Currently, 45 million people are uninsured. If 18 million will still lack insurance, 18,000 will die annually.

That is immoral.

I would gladly give 8 percent of my income for a public plan. I’d pay 10 percent to include dental coverage.

However, I would rather pay a fine and serve jail time than be forced to pay dishonest private insurance companies money.

— Thomas R. Prince, Seattle

Health-insurance industry not so bad?

The Seattle Times’ hit piece against the health-insurance industry has all the anti-business buzz words, but misses two important points [“Apply antitrust laws to insurance industry,” Opinion, editorial, Oct. 28].

The industry’s antitrust exemption was very limited to allow state regulation of the industry to stay in place. This was a concession to the states, not to the industry, which would prefer consistent rules nationwide. Republican proposals have asked that individuals and businesses be allowed to shop for coverage across state boarders.

The insurance commissions of the various states mandate different coverages and other rules that do not allow all companies to operate in all states.

Also, profits for the health-insurance industry have not been historically greater than other industries. They are not usually near the top, and are constantly attempting to find ways to keep premiums lower in the face of rising medical-treatment prices.

— Jesse B. Jolibois, Lakewood

We must strengthen the middle class

We have a chance to do something right in this country, and the sooner we can make a single-payer plan work, the better our chances will be of surviving in global and U.S. markets [“State’s pioneering ways inform health debate,” Opinion, guest commentary, Oct. 27].

It’s time to make changes that can truly help the masses, and help strengthen our middle class again. If our government fails to work for the people, why do we want to continue to support our government representatives?

Our political leaders need to make every effort to make health-care work for all Americans, because failing to do this truly challenges my faith that we are a government of the people, by the people or for the people.

— Patrick Lockridge, Renton