Don't listen to the blood-sucking leeches

In writing this letter, I would hope to clear the minds of skeptics who fear a government-run, single-payer health-care system. I’ve used both private and government-run health care programs. In evaluating the two, I can only conclude that the private sector leaves much to be desired.

While I was enrolled and covered under the for-pay care of the private sector (Blue Cross, Blue Shield, United Health Care, Secure Horizons), I always had to have second opinions, or approval by the provider, or expensive co-pays, or high deductibles. It was a constant fight and nightmare to get needed medical care or payment for treatment rendered.

I was finally so fed up with the private sector providers, I decided to go with Medicare and the VA. I’m a combat-wounded and disabled veteran and was eligible, as was my family, for VA or Tricare for Life—programs I’d never before used.

I use the VA for my general health-care needs and all my prescriptions at no cost to me. I also use doctors in the private sector for specialized care at no cost to me. My wife gets all her prescriptions at local pharmacies with an average co-pay of $3. One drug she needs would cost more than $500 a month. She pays $6. She recently had microscopic knee surgery at a local surgery center. She paid zero dollars, and the doctor and hospital didn’t complain about fees received.

I love this government-run socialized program. I just wish every American had it—and they can. Don’t listen to the harbingers of doom or the medical providers or pharmaceutical companies who profit on your health-care needs. They are blood-sucking leeches who care only for your money.

This article appears in Aug 27 – Sep 3, 2009.