Alala: Nation needs meaningful health reform

By Lori Alala
Published: March 07, 2010

» 11 Comments | Post a Comment

Hickory, NC --

I am writing in response to a letter by Donna Roulic titled "Congress takes care of itself" (The News Herald, Feb. 18).
I agree with her statement that our federal officials have access to good health care, a plan that is paid for by all taxpayers. I also agree that there is a need for health-care reform. But to tackle reform from one perspective would result in incomplete and insufficient outcomes.
Relative to the comment about waiting periods, most employers — not insurance companies — have probationary periods that allow employees and employers to determine if the employee is suitable for the job and desires to work for that employer. Employees with continuous coverage and no more than a 63-day lapse (excluding probationary periods) bypass the pre-existing waiting period. And most self-funded large employers have no waiting periods whatsoever.
It is true that when applying for individual coverage you are subjected to underwriting, the outcome of which is based on one's individual health status. But even if you are denied coverage, you can access Inclusive Health, the state high-risk insurance pool. I will admit that the rates are expensive, but giving tax credits to those in need of assistance with premiums would solve that issue.
I respect Congressman Patrick McHenry and Sen. Richard Burr for their efforts on behalf of their constituents. I, too, want health-care reform, but I want reform that is meaningful and that won't cost the taxpayers billions of dollars.