President-elect Obama has announced that he intends to submit for confirmation the name of former Sen. Tom Daschle as secretary of health and human services. Now is our opportunity to strongly and in overwhelming numbers let our voices be heard.
I am unwilling to continue paying increasing premiums for my health insurance coverage and receiving less health care. Increasing costs are being charged to overhead expenses of insurance companies for more audit personnel and bonuses for increased productivity (translate to increased rejection rates on claims) while other costs are being cut by reducing the covered services. I would like to join the rest of the developed countries of the world in having health care that I have a right to receive. It’s not supposed to be a game where the winner is the one who has found the most clever loophole. It’s supposed to be about everyone caring for all at a minimal level we all agree to pay. Presumptive Secretary Daschle needs to hear that I want a truly universal health care system for my country and me. I want to be able to continue with my health care regardless of whether I’m laid off or have an “early retirement incentive” offer. I want health care to include mental health care equal to my physical health care. And I believe this is affordable for all of us taxpayers if we are all in this together — that is, a nationwide health program for all.
Michelle Valentine
Mukilteo
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