Letters to the Editor, re: Unable to Meet the Deductible or the Doctor, NY Times, October 29:
We face high deductibles, rising premiums, co-payments, narrow networks and out-of-network charges because insurance companies — focused mainly on their bottom line — control most health coverage. As your article shows, deductibles are a real obstacle to medically necessary care. The notion that they prevent “unnecessary” care is a myth.
It’s not just plans under the Affordable Care Act. Employers are also shifting more costs to employees, or dropping coverage entirely.
The answer is universal “single payer” health coverage, without deductibles, co-payments or limited networks. Health care dollars would pay for health care, not insurance company overhead and profits. Progressive states like New York should lead the way.
RICHARD N. GOTTFRIED
New York, Oct. 18, 2014
The writer is chairman of the New York State Assembly’s Committee on Health and sponsor of a bill to establish a single-payer system in New York State.
