We’d like to relate our history with private health insurance companies during our 40 years in the working world.

Our first insurance company refused to pay for the birth of our first child. The initial excuse was that of “pre-existing condition.” We argued that 14 months on the insurance could hardly qualify pregnancy as a “pre-existing condition.” Their next dodge was to say that Anne was not “head of the household.” We countered that the insurance was in her name. The insurance never paid.

Each of us had our own health insurance policy when we were both employed. The two companies always argued over which company was responsible for paying medical costs for our children. Again they used the old sexist “head of the household” argument, and it resulted in embarrassing delays in payments to our doctors. The result was we dropped one policy and were willing to pick up the 20 percent co-pay rather than fight over every single claim.

At last we have a health insurance program that has been hassle-free. For two years, we have been on Medicare and we love it. It pays in a timely manner and is clear about what qualifies. Medicare workers have been readily available and helpful. We still have major problems, but they all come from the supplement program we have with a private carrier.

Are we supportive of a public option in the health care debate? You bet. It is the likeliest way to make health insurance user-friendly, rather than greed-driven.