Don't be afraid of health care reform
Letters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Courier-Journal
April 13, 2009
Collecting cans
I just happened to be out in my garden doing some weeding. A woman came by walking her dog. She hesitantly said, "I collect cans, do you mind?" She was wanting the cans from my recycling bin.
I used to think how sad that someone must collect cans until I mentioned to her that there used to be a "Can Guy" who would come. She said that he must have been her husband. He can't collect cans anymore because he can't walk now. His insurance is not covering the shots he needs to stay mobile.
She's collecting the cans now to try and pay the $2,000 per shot that her husband needs. I went and got her a bigger bag.
I've learned that there are alot of desperate people, in this case a couple who have been retired for quite some time. They put their time into our system. Isn't there something we can do for them aside from making them go around and collect peoples' cans?
KATHLEEN WICKS
Louisville 40204
By Linda A. Johnson, Associated Press
Diabetics are increasingly risking life and limb by cutting back on - or even going without - doctor visits, insulin, medicines and blood-sugar testing as they lose income and health insurance in the recession, an Associated Press analysis has found.
Doctors have seen a drop in regular appointments with diabetic patients, if they come back at all. Patients more often seek tax-subsidized or charity care. And they end up in emergency rooms more often, patients and physicians said in interviews. Read the entire article at:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-04-12-diabetes-costs_N.htm?POE=click-refer
Dave
Two pro-single payer letters in CJ Nov 17
There were two pro-single payer letters in the CJ on Tuesday, Feb 17.
Susan Ryan is an active memebr of Hoosiers for a Common Sense Health Plan.
European socialism'? Bring it on!
February 17, 2009
I am growing a bit weary of hearing the Republicans (specifically Mitch McConnell) talk as though we all should be filled with fear of slipping into European-style socialism.
Bring it on! I would love some of that so-called socialism. Let's see now: That would include such things as the French style of supporting mothers by a nationally supported day care system, and generous leave policies abound for taking care of new babies. It is an enviable system that strengthens the family and supports working mothers.
Perhaps Mitch was talking about the tuition-free university system in Denmark. Imagine -- complete access to a college education without regard to race, social rank or financial resources.
What about health care? Every European country makes certain that its citizens have access to adequate health care. Giving all citizens equal access to the basics that build strong families and productive lives seems like real democracy – not socialism.
It is time for the benefits to be available to the many in the United States, not the rich few.
SUSAN RYAN
Floyds Knobs, Ind. 47119
A right, not a benefit
We are the only Western nation without a universal health care program and the only one where health care is seen as a "benefit" and not a basic human right. If we are truly to be the "last, best hope on Earth," as Lincoln said, we must open our eyes and make sure that everyone has access to health care. It's a travesty that anyone could face financial ruin simply for having the misfortune of falling ill.
JEREMY VESSELS
Louisville, 40208
About HR 676:
HR 676 would institute a single payer health care system in the U.S. by
expanding a greatly improved Medicare system to every resident.
HR 676 would cover every person in the U. S. for all necessary medical
care including prescription drugs, hospital, surgical, outpatient
services, primary and preventive care, emergency services, dental, mental
health, home health, physical therapy, rehabilitation (including for
substance abuse), vision care, chiropractic and long term care.
HR 676 ends deductibles and co-payments. HR 676 would save billions
annually by eliminating the high overhead and profits of the private
health insurance industry and HMOs
.
For the most comprehensive and scientific (peer-reviewed) information go to the web site of Physicians for a National Health Program http://www.pnhp.org
