Letter to the Editor
The Oregonian
March 24, 2010
I would like to extend a word of caution to those celebrating the passage of the health care reform bill. Nations that provide truly universal access to health services at an affordable price both for families and government use one single system, do not allow for-profit financing of health insurance and make a commitment to provide access to 100 percent of their citizens. The health reform bill does none of these. It builds on our complex health system using largely for-profit insurance companies to provide access while leaving millions uninsured and tens of millions underinsured. This will lead to spiraling costs and eventual breakdown.
It is a shame a single-payer national health insurance system was not considered. It would fulfill the three criteria needed for a successful and affordable health insurance system.
PETER MAHR, M.D.
Southeast Portland
http://blog.oregonlive.com/myoregon/2010/03/letters_bike_registration_kalm.html