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Illness shouldn’t bankrupt

The Spokesman-Review

I read with interest Bert Overland’s letter (Aug. 9) where he states that mandating health insurance for everyone regardless of pre-existing conditions is “acting stupidly.”

I agree that people that have abused themselves with booze and cigarettes should not necessarily get the same coverage as a healthy person. But how far do we take this? My wife and I recently had two friends die of cancer, in the prime of their lives, that had nothing to do with their lifestyle.

What I object to is the fact that so many people end up financially ruined because their health insurance does not pay for all of the treatment they need to fight an illness. I think it is sad that in this country we have allowed so many people to have their lives ruined when they get sick.

Just remember: That could be you. To have to file for bankruptcy when you are seriously ill is ridiculous.

John Beaton

Spokane

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