Letter: Health care problems result of bad legislation

Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000 | 9:57 a.m.

It should be realized, however, that the current health care system is the product of legislative flat since 1965 when the Medicare program was created. This was long before the marketplace was recognized as a force to be reckoned with.

Well-meaning legislators have led us into the current situation these past 40 years and now we are reaping the reward -- skyrocketing costs, over 40 million uninsured and poorly coordinated services for millions.

Instead of redesigning the system to make it more user-friendly, we are criticizing each other to the benefit of a few. As long as legislators are involved and continue to micromanage the system, the consumers will not be well served. Many will continue to suffer and be without comprehensive, continuous and compassionate health care services.

The current debates in Congress are educational and entertaining, but they continue to avoid universal solutions. It must be election time again.

HENRY GOTHELF

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