Counterpoint: Health care reform bill lacks support
By Nancy Mays
In response to the Nov. 29 opinion piece by state Reps. Alma Adams and Pricey Harrison ("N.C. needs passage of health care reform"), I offer the opposing view that the state most certainly does not need passage of this bill.
This legislation is nothing more than a power grab to take over another segment of our economy.
We are losing our God-given freedoms each and every day as an over-reaching Washington cabal sucks the life-breath out of America.
I take exception to the points in the opinions of these Guilford County representatives. In the first sentence, they define this debate as a partisan political battle.
May I remind that Republican representation is in the minority in both the House and Senate and, as such, is totally powerless to stop passage of this legislation?
Another claim that the cost of health insurance has risen by 80 percent since 2001 is misleading. The implication is that greedy health insurers are taking advantage of their subscribers.
However, health insurers posted a modest 2.2 percent profit margin last year which ranks them 35th in the Fortune 500.
The rate increases are due to many factors, including advances in new technology and screening methods that are far more costly than those previously employed.
And let us not forget that our medical bills are necessarily inflated to cover the outrageous cost of professional liability insurance medical providers are forced to carry to protect themselves from frivolous lawsuits. Meaningful tort reform legislation would do more to reduce the cost of health care.
Another point of contention is the article’s assumption that when the government takes over, everyone will get everything they need. In reality, a recent American Medical Association study found that Medicare’s claim denial rate is higher than that of any private insurer, and almost 70 percent higher overall than private insurers’ average denial rate.
The Nov. 25 Rasmussen Poll shows the lowest number ever in support of this health care reform. Only 35 percent are in favor while 56 percent are opposed.
Where are the representatives who listen to the voice of the people?
The writer lives in Trinity.
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