Moral imperative

I am deeply disappointed in the Senate's health-care bill. Nevertheless I believe the bill must be passed finally into law.

I am disappointed at the lack of a public option and that even the reasonable compromise of allowing a buy-in to Medicare at age 55 is off the table. I am disappointed that women are restricted in their access to insurance coverage that would provide abortion services, even if they pay for it. I am disappointed that the bill does little to substantially address the fundamental faults of our present system such as its reliance on pay-for-service.

Still the health-care bill must be passed and soon. The bill would extend coverage to about 30 million Americans, a moral imperative. It would eliminate some of the more egregious practices of the insurance companies, such as denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions. This reform is only possible because of the near universal coverage mandated by the bill. Although I wish more had been done, the bill does (unlike the totally fiscally irresponsible activities of the previous administration) have provisions to provide financing and for lowering costs.

The measure should become law, warts and all. It is the last chance for meaningful health-care reform in our (certainly in my) lifetime. Once passed, measures can subsequently be introduced to strengthen and improve it.

MARVIN FIELDS
Shadyside