A better health plan

By Roger LaBonte
The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tenn.), Letters, Aug. 2, 2015

Thank you for the July 30 guest column by Dr. Arthur J. Sutherland III, “Grow Medicare to save lives, money.” I agree completely with Sutherland’s opinion and conclusions. We need a comprehensive health care plan for all Americans.

The current Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) should be renamed the Partial Patient Protection and Affordable Insurance Act (PPPAIA), since, while it provides some protection for a few groups and affordable insurance for many, but not affordable care for the nation. The act leaves many with no protection and completely inadequate insurance coverage. It is not likely to drive down the cost of medical care, nor the amount of GDP we spend on health care in this country. In addition, many more Americans are likely to be driven into bankruptcy due to health care costs. Dr. Sutherland is right; we have the talent and the resources to do better.

Dr. Roger LaBonte resides in Memphis.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/letter-a-better-health-plan