Medicare proves government’s competence

Ken Anderson, Las Vegas

Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.

I have some comments regarding the health care package being drawn up by Congress.

As a senior citizen I recall when I became covered by Medicare and my monthly health insurance premiums dropped dramatically. I do not know one senior citizen who has said to me that he did not want to be covered by Medicare and save money.

When I had private medical insurance, I always had to be sure the doctor I was going to see was on my insurance company’s network. No more. When I hear people guessing that a national health care package will take away our right to choose our doctors, I wonder where they got that idea. And I question their argument that the government can’t handle overseeing a health care program.

Everyone would like to see our national economy improve. We would be encouraged by businesses starting up again and hiring their workers back. I don’t think many people are aware that many businesses forced to close were faced with health insurance premiums for their workers that they could not afford. The sooner some kind of a health care bill is passed, the sooner employers will be able to strategize for the reopening of their businesses.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not for pushing legislation through that contains flaws. However, we do not have as much time as people would have us believe.