Why We Need Universal Health Insurance

[Elizabeth D. Swart]

I have never understood why Republicans are not behind universal health insurance. Though I don't agree with them, I can see the argument for not providing help for problems that are in some way people's own fault, or that might lead to big problems with moral hazard. But health care isn't like that. While some illnesses are due to people's choices, many are not. When you get sick, you can be ruined financially, whether or not you have been prudent. When acts of God ruin like hurricanes or earthquakes ruin people's lives, we step in to help. I have never understood why health insurance coverage should be different.

[Dick Slackman]

The cost of health care is certainly one of the biggest issues of concern for retirees and those hoping to retire. Many, perhaps most, retirees can not expect to receive health insurance coverage from their former employer. They must plan to obtain coverage for any interim period until they are eligible for medicare.

It looks like the Obama administration will be moving forward with proposals and negotiations with Congress. It will be interesting to see how this develops.

[Elizabeth D. Swart]

hopefully Mr. President pursue his plan to all Americans to have a health care.