I read with interest that Washington’s senators, Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, agree that our health system needs to change and improve (TNT, 6-22).
However, parroting the mantra of for-profit (first and foremost) insurance and pharmaceuticals, they oppose the most sensible solution – a single-payer plan – because it would be “government run.”
Of the world’s industrialized countries, United States citizens spend, on average, twice as much per capita for its health care while close to 50 million are uninsured.
The idea that a government bureaucrat is going to be less benevolent and act in greater self interest than an insurance company bureaucrat is ridiculous.
Year in and year out, my insurance costs increase by double digits, benefits are cut, while deductibles and co-pays rise.
In this day and age, in the wealthiest and most scientifically advanced nation in history, basic health care should be available to all of our nation’s citizens. As “government-run” fire and police departments protect us all without a profit incentive, we can create a health care system that puts people before money.
It’s ironic that the senators don’t think their constituents deserve the same health benefits they enjoy at our expense. I was pleased to hear when I called our congressional offices to express my views on health care that congressman Norm Dicks supports a single-payer plan. Maybe he can educate the senators on this critical issue.
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