Debate isn't focusing on high cost of care

Reading the papers one gets the picture that the reform is totally misguided. All the legislation seem to talk about is exchanges, national health plans, panels, regulations, covering the uninsured, Increasing regulations on insurance companies, and so on. Nowhere do I see anything about holding down cost.

Drugs that sell for 21,000 percent of cost, simple procedures (4 stitches in a finger cut $900) a tonsillectomy for a 10-year-old with an overnight stay at $22,000. An MRI on a kids knee at $1,700. A blood test at $946; $356 for a two-minute "consult" in an emergency room.

How is health care reform going to reduce cost if it does not directly control these costs?

Dennis A. Pyzyna

Arlington Heights