THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 28, 1996 TAG: 9601260189
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
I am not in politics and I am not in the health care profession, nor am I a health-care insurance person. I just happen to be over 65 years of age and enrolled in Medicare insurance parts A and B. As a senior (for quite a few years), I feel qualified in trying to explain to our politicians and legislators just what our ``old folks'' want in their health care insurance.
No. 1. We do not want HMOs! That is for younger folk. We would like to see Medicare part A stay as is and also Medicare part B stay as is with a little raise in premiums to cover higher costs.
Then it would be nice if a Medicare part C was implemented. This would cost a little more than part B, but would cover prescription drugs (with a fairly nominal deductible).
Then, we can have Medicare part D. Part D would add dental and glasses coverage and would cost more than A, B or C.
If possible, there should be Medicare part E, which would help to cover long-term care with a deductible amount to be established.
In this way, we have whatever the Medicare participant wants or can afford. Some would want to be able to afford perhaps only A and B, or all phases up to C or D or E. We, who are the Medicare recipients, can then have a choice. The choice now is only if one wants to change to an HMO or stay away from your doctor as much as possible for a lower rate premium, even if you need the care or stay with Medicare part A and B as it is now but with a raise in premiums.
Since I am not in the health care reform business nor in the government trying to figure out the best solution for Medicare reform, I am giving you my view from the center and the heart and the feelings of most senior citizens that I have come into contact with. Forget the HMOs and give us the choice of Medicare A, B, C, D or E.
Madeline Nevala
Virginia Beach Allen's reform on track
I'd like to say I am in full support of Gov. Allen sending juvenile offenders to boot camps, no matter the ages (Jan. 7 Beacon cartoon). I have met and worked with young men after they have spent time at these boot camps and they have come out fine young men, respectful of their peers and ones around them.
I believe Gov. Allen is on the right track!
Jane Cutright
Virginia Beach Water and other worries
Virginia Beach, alas, alack!
Has found its water power slack;
While citizens were summer-sunning,
They up and left their Faucette running!
Nanette Emanuel
Norfolk by CNB