Media won't objectively cover GOP health bill

"If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed. If you do read the newspaper you are misinformed." Mark Twain

Today we can expand that quote to include all forms of media. This is especially true of the coverage of the proposed Republican Obamacare replacement bill. In virtually every media outlet to which I have turned I have found misinformation presented as facts when, in reality, these "facts" are talking points presented by those who oppose any change in the status quo. One prime example is the reporting of coverage for preexisting conditions under the replacement bill.

Those who oppose the Republican bill repeatedly state that those with preexisting conditions will lose coverage and suffer catastrophic out-of-pocket medical expenses. The fact is, nowhere in the bill does it state that anyone will be denied coverage for one or more preexisting conditions. If a person allows their health insurance coverage to lapse for 63 days during the previous 12 months or more and later applies for coverage, the insurance company can charge up to 30 percent more in premium for one year. However, during that period, preexisting conditions will still be covered. There is no loss of coverage.

The future of the U.S. health care system is too important to be left to politicians and a media that refuses to present the whole truth. When the health care debate once again heats up, I urge all Americans to do their own research and ignore the hyperbolic rantings (e.g. "millions will die") of those with a political agenda.

David Carrell

Campton Hills