A voice of reason

It was a pleasure to read "Why in the World Can't We Figure Out Health Care?" (Aug. 30 Forum). Thanks to the Post-Gazette for publishing T.R. Reid's informative and timely article explaining how other countries manage to cover everyone without rationing health care or restricting the choice of providers while also controlling costs.

I was especially struck by the fact that foreign health insurance plans exist only to pay people's medical bills, not make a profit. Meanwhile, health insurers here in the United States pocket 20 percent of premiums for overhead and profits.

I challenge Sens. Bob Casey and Arlen Specter and Rep. Tim Murphy to read the author's book, "The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper, and Fairer Health Care." It's high time for our legislators to listen to a voice of reason and intelligence instead of insurance company lobbyists.

Mr. Reid traveled the world to see how other developed democracies provide health care. His findings could help the U.S. system become one that serves people, not profits. It will take courage to make that transformation, and I beseech our legislators to find that courage.

 

EILEEN SENN
Mt. Lebanon