Health care options
Many in Congress, when talking about health care options, tell us that they prefer a market-based solution as opposed to a government-run solution.
What they don’t tell us is that the reason market solutions normally work doesn’t even apply to the health care model. Simply put, it’s the theory that markets function best when everyone involved is doing what’s best for himself. Those who can produce goods most efficiently can offer the best price, and obviously consumers want the best price. Win-win.
On the other hand, health care insurance providers interests are diametrically opposed to those of their consumers. They make money by being inefficient: 12 percent average overhead, compared with about 3 percent for Medicare. In practical terms, this means they gain the most by spending their time finding the most efficient ways of not paying benefits. Win-lose.
Oh, and in most other markets, losing rarely results in death.
Greg Smith
Presque Isle
Collins leads on health care
As the BDN reported, Sen. Susan Collins recently addressed York County Community College, telling the audience that the current climate in Washington, D.C., was “ extremely fast-paced and chaotic.” She referenced the current health care debate as one of those areas where regular legislative order has been lacking.
Recently, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee heard from bipartisan health care experts in its ongoing effort to strengthen the individual insurance market and ensure that meaningful, affordable health care coverage is available for millions of Americans, including cancer patients, survivors and their families. As the debate progresses, Collins has an opportunity to continue to be a champion for Mainers — and all Americans — who rely on lifesaving health coverage.
The fact is, existing insurance marketplaces should be strengthened and the state-federal Medicaid partnership can be improved with federal standards and state solutions. This can be accomplished if Congress follows the reasonable, bipartisan lead of members such as Collins.
As an oncology nurse who sees everyday how critical health insurance is to cancer patients, survivors and others suffering from serious disease, I thank Collins for avoiding the distraction of competing proposals, such as the Graham-Cassidy bill.
On behalf of my patients, Mainers fighting serious disease and cancer survivors around the country, I extend my gratitude for her efforts thus far, and I urge her to continue to focus on practical, bipartisan efforts to strengthen health care coverage through the legislative process.
Peggy Belanger
Volunteer
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Kennebunk
Protecting against identity theft
In the wake of the news that the credit-reporting firm Equifax had been hacked, many consumers were left feeling vulnerable. But no matter which entity is hacked, there are important steps we should take to keep our data safe.
Mainers of all ages should place a freeze on their credit report. Because a security freeze safeguards a person’s credit report, it is one of the most effective ways to protect consumers from identity theft. Without access to the sensitive information housed in your credit report, an identity thief is unable to obtain credit in your name. In Maine, freezing and unfreezing your credit report is free.
You need to place the credit freeze with each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Transunion and Equifax online, by mail or by telephone. Each bureau also will provide you with a free copy of your credit report annually upon request.
Parents and grandparents should place a freeze on their children and grandchildren’s credit reports as well.
It is also recommended that you closely monitor your bank and credit card statements and report any unfamiliar charge, even if it is a small amount. Scammers will often charge a “test charge” on a stolen credit card to verify the number. This amount is usually just a few cents so many people don’t report it.
For more information visit aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork. During an era of unprecedented data breaches, placing a freeze on your credit report and closely monitoring your accounts has never been more important.
Michael Parent
Volunteer
AARP Maine Fraud Watch Network
Portland