Reform work unfinished

Several political leaders have declared that with the loss of the 60-seat Democrat majority in the U.S. Senate, health care reform is dead. I certainly hope they are incorrect as there are important changes that still need to be resolved under the heading of health care reform.

As a reminder, here are some starters for reasonable health care reform: 1. End disqualification because of pre-existing conditions; 2. End lifetime maximum for coverage; 3. Prohibit the rationing of health care due to a person’s age; 4. Fix the waste and fraud in the federal plans of Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans Affairs and Indian health programs; 5. Allow interstate selling of medical insurance; 6. Allow people to choose the coverage and deductibles they need (like car insurance); 7. Enact reasonable tort reform; and 7. Mandate uninsured people must purchase medical insurance if available from their employer and if it is at a reasonable cost.

When one strips away all of the progressive or conservative rhetoric there are common sense solutions to health care reform that must be enacted. Please join this registered nurse and Republican in urging our president and representatives in Congress to enact sensible and cost-effective health care reform.

Michael Cloke

Clarkston