Letter: Position on health care tilts to Casten

I applaud Dan Bailey's letter in the June 8 Daily Herald, with just one exception. I support Sean Casten's leadership in fighting for health care for all. The element of choice for anyone in unions or other jobs with excellent health insurance is the difference.

Bailey is right, the pandemic shows the dysfunction of our medical system. Millions of people were vulnerable without insurance; and, those with employment related insurance, became victims when they lost their jobs.

His description of people rationing prescriptions, postponing critical surgeries, and foregoing regular dental checkups captures the insanity of our medical system. It reminds me of a laid-off woman with heart disease who couldn't afford her blood pressure medicine. She rationed the medications, did without and finally had a heart attack. She was saved in the emergency room; but, she couldn't pay the bill.

Sadly, the cost of the emergency procedures could have bought a lifetime supply of the medications she needed. Radical changes to the access to our health care system must be made.

The difference between Newman's and Casten's positions on health care insurance is simple. Newman supports a universal, single payer, Medicare-for-all approach. Casten supports universal coverage that provides everyone quality health care through affordable ACA policies while allowing individuals the choice to keep high-quality health plans their unions or employers provide.

I had good health insurance I would not give up through my job during my career. However, I would have also wanted an affordable health insurance option if I were to leave that job. The research that supports the effectiveness and efficiency of Casten's approach is convincing. I would urge you to learn more about it and to vote for him on June 28.

Bruce Lane

Cary