Medicare for all not a free lunch; it will be paid for by taxes

To The Daily Sun,

Mr. Boutin shouted loudly in his letter of February 9. His comments to "expose" the fallacies of Medicare raises many questions.

Medicare is not bankrupt in the trillions, nor is it bankrupt. The American economic engine would have already been compromised. FDR provided the impetus safeguarding our health and welfare. Health care inequality exists, Mr. Boutin included. Money buys health care. Without money you die. This "Medicare for all" is not a con game. Nor is the program designed to be a free lunch. "Medicare for all" is designed to eliminate the inequities, long fomented by the insurance industry.

Look at automobile insurance. This is the greatest con game of all times. You buy insurance to protect your automobile (and home for that matter). But if you use it, you are penalized with higher premiums. The same takes place with health insurance policies. You get sick, your premiums go up. The purpose of "Medicare for all" is to eliminate this gross inequity. It is also designed for everyone to contribute. The exemption for contribution is lack of income, which then should be covered with the entitlement program called Medicaid. This way everyone benefits, and in the long term, improves health outcomes and economic picture for this country.

Someone mentioned, "what about all those people employed by the insurance companies"? I have only one comment. Regarding human life and health, no one or any business has any right to profit on these two. Medical insurance is one of the most discriminating businesses in this country. Those who are poor and cannot afford the premiums suffer with resulting actuarial impact and negative health outcomes. This bankruptcy is generated by narrow minded groups (some Republicans I believe), and those deliberately ill informed or ignorant.

Regarding Obama, he ushered in one of the longest growth economies this country has seen in a long time. Bernie Sanders offers a Democratic socialist solution that is in line with our Constitution, the right to safety, wealth, welfare, safety, and property. Ignorance is the reason "Medicare for all" has been unable to get off the ground. FDR made possible for some people, as myself who depends on Social Security and Medicare as a lifeline, to survive with good health outcomes. My current diagnosis of multiple myeloma has been well managed by the Medicare with significant improvements to enable me to survive and enjoy a good life, despite an income that is only Social Security retirement.

"Medicare for all" even with "premiums" or "taxes" improves the economic picture for many. Many people pay premiums well beyond what they can afford. New premiums would be spread out over a larger population, with increased take-home pay, providing an economic stimulus. Businesses no longer encumbered with providing health benefits, will have more cash flow. It would be hoped for better pay. I do not pay thousands a year for my Medicare benefit. This is fake news. My copays for medications never exceeds $4 per prescription. Yes I pay for Medicare supplements which in turn has provided me medical care without any copays. It has not bankrupted me.

"Refusing to think" is very insulting to many who read these articles. Climate change is the one ongoing event that will not discriminate against anyone as everyone is presently impacted, even the rich. Since some of the millionaires and billionaires are directly responsible for this most unnatural debacle, they should be required to cover the costs regarding the impact this climate change has created. (Note, "some" is used as not all are responsible.) As Tom Lehrer once sang, "just go out for a breath of air, you'll be ready for Medicare!!"

Professionals such as doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and nursing assistants should be running the program for the best outcomes for those whose health is affected. Yes, those with financial skills can help with the program so long as they have the medical certifications and criteria to provide the services.

It is our constitutional right to good medical care. The profit mentality working against our health care industry. Someone once commented,"it is not written in the Constitution." My answer to that is, yes it is. General welfare is provided for in both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Medicare for all is not a free lunch, as we must pay for it. Proper staffing would help reduce wait times. The health of our nation would improve dramatically over time.

One must calmly put things into perspective. Instead of "refusing to think," I have given considerable thought to Mr. Boutin's article. His comments require deep thought. He is correct in indicating there is no free lunch. However, please refrain from offering some expletives. Not that you do not have the right to do so, you do. But a person is nobler in the mind when expressing feelings calmly and without offense. Thank you Mr. Boutin for your most informative letter.

Robert T. Joseph, Jr.

New Hampton