Health care out of reach

Recent health care articles overlapped – Republican budget alternative, layoff of Providence workers and Dennis Smith’s March 28 Roundtable piece.

Republican congressional members outlined budget alternatives highlighting “universal access to health care.” If by access they refer to adequate amounts of providers, that’s erroneous. There are great numbers of care providers. If they define “access” as affordability, that’s accurate. Costs have skyrocketed. Since 2001, my family’s premiums soared by 94 percent; deductibles 900 percent. Even with insurance, minor surgery is unaffordable. Regular wellness appointments are out of the question. Yet, losing staff from what Providence terms “unpaid” medical treatment endangers quality of treatment and leaves hundreds unemployed.

Mr. Smith confirms affordable health care is possible. Opponents dismiss Medicaid; Smith says not one panel member would exchange private plans for Medicaid. Are you kidding? They either asked the wrong panel or wrong question. I’d trade without hesitation. Medicaid inconveniences/frustrations pale when compared to writing insurance checks or facing financial insecurity. I’d prefer to pay for affordable treatment, not insurance. Reform is vital.

Tracy Albrecht

Spokane