Too many flaws in health care bill

I am deeply concerned about the current health care bill HR 3962 that is now in the U.S. Senate. Primary among these concerns are the Democrats' threat to remove the bill's pro-life protections.

In addition, the bill would mean creation of a public health plan to compete with private plans, and overall exorbitant cost. The bill's creation of a public health plan will drive other insurers out of business and cause many people to lose their current health insurance. Drastic cuts to Medicare and Medicare Advantage benefits would also severely impact millions of seniors, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

In addition, without specific language stating otherwise, the government's attempts to control costs could lead to rationing of care and denial of lifesaving treatments. Government run health care would give the government access to the private records and lives of Americans. This would open the door to government control and erode freedom and liberty.

Finally, the cost of this plan is troublesome. Harry Reid proposes raising taxes to pay for it. Raise taxes in a recession with the highest unemployment rate in decades?

As long as these problems remain, I will oppose this and any similar health care legislation. I also urge a vote against the bill itself, because it is so deeply flawed. While I support efforts to improve our current health care system, I believe Congress should work to enact acceptable health care reformation, not objectionable transformation.

Mary Baney

Aurora