Letters to the Editor for Aug. 10, 2009

Health-care system needs a cure

To the editor:

America’s health-care system is in crisis and in dire need of reform.

Just because you have health insurance today, doesn’t mean you will have it next year or the next. The way premiums are increasing each year, small businesses are having to make choices to raise deductibles or even stop offering health insurance. America’s Affordable Health Choices Act proposes to fix the American healthcare system through several innovative overhauls.

Firstly, all Americans would be guaranteed coverage under this bill. Gone are the days of being denied coverage due to a preexisting condition because of insurance companies’ discriminatory practices.

If you like the current coverage you have, be it your insurance plan, hospital, or physician, you will not be forced to change anything. However, you will have the option to purchase a competitive plan under a health insurance exchange that will offer private and public insurance options. In addition to competitive insurance plans, H.R. 3200 aims to lower overall costs by promoting preventative care. In the short-term, co-pays and deductibles for preventative care will be cut.

From the providers’ perspective, this bill aims to alleviate the shortage of doctors and nurses in our health-care system. Through new incentives and scholarships, the House bill aims to encourage the very best and brightest to become doctors and nurses.

Finally, America’s Affordable Health Choices Act will actively support personal wellness. In addition to supporting prevention, H.R. 3200 will support community health centers, provide oral, hearing, and vision care for children, and ensure that mental health care is covered.

Through these innovative changes to our health system, H.R. 3200 aims to cure the American health-care crisis.

Marilyn Dudek

Baker City

Names weren’t necessary

To the editor:

The co-sleeping article was a decent article at the end. As for the first paragraphs, not too great. Was there any reason why their names had to be used? Could it have just been on the dangers of co-sleeping? Maybe someone could have called them and gave them notice? Maybe they could have been shown the respect of letting them mourn first?

I watched my cousin’s world come crashing down Thursday, I watched them cry and try to come to terms with Izzy’s passing, and still trying to, going through their lives forever changed. Do I blame my cousins? No, for I am too guilty of sleeping with my children. Will I help educate other parents? Yes, in Izzy’s name. Jeff and Jessica didn’t need to be kicked while they were down, and that’s what I feel you did.

Lori Amundson

Baker City

Baker County super friendly

To the editor:

Baker County is lucky to have such wonderful people keeping your heritage alive. I’ve been corresponding with the Heritage Museum director, Joan Jacobs, and Diana Pearson of the Baker County library for several months gathering information for books I’m writing. Both women have gone out of their way to help me find the information I’ve needed.

I had the pleasure of meeting the staff at the Heritage Museum while in Baker City for the Miners Jubilee. I visited the museum to take photos to be used on the covers of my next two books, which are set in the area. Ms. Jacobs went out of her way to help me stage photos and volunteered useful information. The staff at the museum was all friendly and a joy to visit with.

I’ve been gathering information around the state for my books and found the people of Baker City to be the most forthcoming and friendly. You are indeed lucky to have these people in your midst.

Paty Jager

Redmond