In the past month, The Spokesman-Review has had several articles about Deaconess Hospital and some of its problems. Among other things, they had not been timely in processing tests on newborns that must be completed within two days of birth. This lack of professionalism could lead to death or disability among children. We haven’t heard a reason for this delay.

Also, recently, about 1,100 unionized nurses, medical techs and service staff planned a one-day strike to protest staffing levels. If Deaconess and Rockwood need better staffing, it’s bad for the patients. So, why are the insurance companies choosing to drop coverage at Providence and cover Deaconess and their associated clinics, etc.? It does seem the insurance companies are still working against their customers’ needs.

I’m grateful for Medicare. I can keep going to my Providence hospitals and doctors. I’m disappointed at what the insurance companies are doing. They know the Affordable Care Act was meant to stop them from taking advantage of their customers, but they keep finding ways to do it.

Deborah Lawrence Hale

Spokane