By Robert Vinetz, M.D.
Los Angeles Times, Letters, Dec. 10, 2024
Columnist Robin Abcarian notes that the single mother of a child with leukemia had to pay $900 a month for her child’s feeding device because her insurance company, UnitedHealthcare, denied payment for it. The mother asked, “Why did this happen? Could it be a systemic issue?” (“UnitedHealthcare’s chief executive was shot dead. Why did thousands react with glee?” Opinion, Dec. 6)
As both a patient (covered by Medicare) and a physician, I say yes, this is definitely a systemic issue.
It is an example of our failing, costly health insurance system, one that leaves some 85 million of us uninsured or inadequately insured. We worry that we and our families will not be able to afford or get care when we need it.
I am alarmed that insurance corporations, pharmaceutical manufacturers and Wall Street types will lobby Congress and the president to take away my traditional Medicare coverage, replace it with a system that puts profits before patient care (think so-called Medicare Advantage) and thereby take away my freedom to choose my own doctors and hospitals.
Too many Americans are already hurting from our current system. And it will only get worse unless we insist on a better system that is universal, publicly financed and not-for-profit.