Columnist complaints are inevitable consequences
If Froma Harrop really wants to be rational about the health-care debate [“Let’s have a rational debate about the cost of health care,” Opinion, syndicated column, Nov. 26], she should start by investigating the concept of comprehensive health insurance.
Paying for routine medical services by insurance is one of the main causes of the outrageously high prices of the American health-care industry. Among all the laws and regulations that have driven up health-care costs, legislation promoting employer-provided comprehensive health insurance and Medicare have been among the worst offenders.
The ills that Harrop complains about are an inevitable consequence of any comprehensive insurance system, and can only be rectified by either rationing or, in the case of a government-run system such as Medicare, increased taxes or deficit financing.
— Richard Opheim, Kenmore