Reform will reduce quality of care

President Obama has stated the need to quickly pass an affordable government health care program because 47 million Americans do not have coverage.

Hopefully this action isn't as reckless as the recent stimulus package, but it's interesting to note that the health care system in Canada was used as a model. Countless Canadians presently seek higher quality care physicians in the United States rather than wait in long lines, often for months and sometimes years to gain proper medical attention, primarily because of policy and a shortage of doctors.

The Obama program will be paid with our tax dollars and program cuts, specifically in Medicare and Medicaid programs. But how will we care for our elderly? A Canadian citizen I know told me his elderly mother was considered high risk and was given a walker rather than a pacemaker.

The President doesn't tell us how this will affect the quality of care, how and who will pay for it and what he plans to do with the additional 12 million illegal immigrants who today overwhelm emergency rooms, for by law a hospital cannot turn a patient away.

A government run program will offer health care at lower prices for some and for free for others and paid for by continually raising our taxes. The lack of incentive and profit will not create competition; it will eliminate it and will drive major health insurance companies out of business, lower doctors' pay, driving them out of business.

The President says keep your current health care program, but leaves out this will mean individuals who keep their current employer program will see their benefits taxed as income and their companies providing employee coverage will also be taxed, leaving the majority with no choice but to join this socialist health care plan.

It appears that while more will be covered, the quality will simply decrease.

Joe Littwin

Palatine