What follows is a letter I sent to the Austin American-Statesman. They require letters to the editor to be short (150 words) and to the point. So this is the condensed version of my opinions about health care. For a more complete version, go here. For Daniel Gross's insight go here.
Rationed Health Care and Why We Aleady Have It
Its time to set the record straight about rationed health care: we already have it. I am insured and can see a GP almost any time I want. But I usually have to wait 2-3 months to see a specialist. With a very good plan.
I watched a friend with similar coverage grow sicker with cancer as his doctor battled the HMO for the best care and not the cheapest. Weeks after diagnosis of an aggressive and fast-growing tumor, his insurance company finally let him get the treatment his doctor had first recommended.
It was too late. He died a few months later.
My partner has coverage through the VA, and, yes, they ration health care. But not to any degree larger than my private insurer does. He gets high-quality health care that is as good as what costs over $600/month for me.
Rationed health care is a moot point. Its already here. And its spelled HMO.
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