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Don’t penalize efficiency

The Spokesman-Review

Contrary to the opinion of Linda McHenry (Letters, Dec. 8), the Washington State Hospital Association is concerned about the real cuts to Medicare that health care legislation will bring. Of special concern to Washington state, our Medicare reimbursements are about half those of New York, Florida or Pennsylvania. Of note, Washington Medicare costs produce better outcomes than the previously named states. If you wish, please consult the Dartmouth Study, which detailed these findings.

We are talking real cuts to a state whose medical system functions more efficiently. One would think that cuts would be administered to those states whose payment schedules are highest. President Obama is aware of the Dartmouth study but apparently is unwilling to take on the political powers in New York, Florida and Pennsylvania.

There are many of us who wish to see changes in our health care system, but we do not support all of the Democratic majority’s plans. This includes many folks who voted for Obama but who are concerned about the present legislation’s problems.

Linda T. Marler

Colfax



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