To the editor: I understand the complexity of establishing a single payer healthcare system. We also understand that it is unlikely that it will happen in California. Still, it’s sad to see recent attempts to enact such a bill dead.
Despite the failure of the bill, we need to continue serious discussions on this issue. There is no special interest or hyperbolic horror tactics.
My spouse and I are 61-year-old self-employed consulting professionals, and the only source of their health insurance is the targeted California market. Our “Bronze” policy has a joint deduction of $ 12,600 and pays over $ 18,000 annually. You are not eligible for subsidies because you have middle class income.
Yes, the single payer system will increase taxes, but an increase of less than $ 18,000 is net income, so we can accept the increase in tax burden.
The next time such a bill is submitted, I sincerely urge my two state legislators, both Democrats Cottie Petrie Norris and Senator Dave Min, to support it. ..
John Knox, Costa Mesa
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To the editor: Medicare has worked and has worked well for decades. California needs to let go.
Although not perfect, Medicare is an affordable and well-run government program. Millions of senior citizens in California do not want to be forced to give up under the state’s single payer program.
No matter how well-meaning, the large new programs run by our state definitely have major problems. Our state cannot operate the unemployment system efficiently or solve the homeless problem. Nor can we start a new complex program that affects all patients, healthcare professionals, and hospitals.
Mary Edwards, Camarillo
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To the editor: In 1960, my mother was a school nurse for students with disabilities in Orange County. She joined a committee that encouraged the adoption of single-payer medical care. “When everyone gets health care, everyone gets healthier,” she said.
Even if you care only about yourself, if your neighbors are emitting virus particles because they do not receive adequate medical care, you are more likely to be exposed and get sick. Knowing that you can easily access medical care and your doctor without worrying about medical costs, this pandemic problem has been reduced in this country.
Americans needed a good, long-term relationship with the health care system before the pandemic began. If so, the message against vaccination would not have been so strong.
Caroline Brown, Sierra Madre
