Inbox

America the Underinsured

TIME’s cover story was a poignant look at one person’s struggle to get the health care he needs [March 16]. Even more tragic, this story is repeated too many times each year in this country. As illustrated in your piece, physicians often provide care without charge when patients are in need, but we need a system that does a much better job of supporting patients and physicians. Your reform points are key. A full 75% of total health-care spending is linked to chronic health problems, many of which are preventable. If we can help Americans live healthier, we can reduce disease and decrease health-care spending. The American Medical Association is committed to reform that covers everyone with a choice of portable insurance, increases the value our nation receives from its health-care spending and enhances prevention and wellness. We need a better system for America’s patients and the physicians who care for them. Nancy H. Nielsen, M.D., President, American Medical Association WASHINGTON

Karen Tumulty’s sad story about her brother points out so much that is wrong with our health-care system. The best health-care-reform option of all: a single-payer, universal plan that provides comprehensive coverage, including dental, eye, mental health, etc., to all citizens. The best part of all is that it is already in Congress: HR 676. The opponents of HR 676 are beholden to the insurance and pharmaceutical industries. It is time for a change. Anita Simons, LA JOLLA, CALIF.

Ironically, if Patrick Tumulty had decided to retaliate against his insurance company’s executives with physical violence, he would now be in our penal system–with full health-care benefits. Richard Clark III, ADELL, WIS.

As taxpayers, we fund the health care of our elected officials. Maybe it is time to strip the coverage of those officials who kowtow to lobbies and show no interest in mending this situation. David Walker, DARTMOUTH, MASS.

A Rush to Judgment

Re “The Moment” [March 16]: Rush Limbaugh’s hope that President Barack Obama fails is nothing less than unpatriotic. It’s one thing to represent the loyal opposition and criticize Administration policies. But by championing Obama’s failure, he is rooting for America’s failure too. Owen Prell, MILL VALLEY, CALIF.

Where has TIME been for eight years? No one has tried to silence Limbaugh’s trash talk on Obama. To suggest that he has been wronged is beyond the pale. Allison Simpson, LA MESA, CALIF.

Dull and Duller

Re your 10 Questions with Bobby Jindal [March 16]: If I hear another Republican politician spout the talking point that health care should be between patient and doctor and not a bureaucrat, I’m going to pull out what little hair I have left. My wife and I are self-employed. Our health-care costs eat up much of our annual income, and neither of us has a chronic illness. I would much rather have a bureaucracy deliver affordable coverage at whatever inconvenience than be squeezed dry by rapacious Republican-loving drug and insurance companies. Mark Dunn, ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.

But, Mom, You’re in My Fave 5!

Thank you, Nancy Gibbs [March 16]. I have been labeled a “mean mom” for not allowing my 12-year-old daughter to have a cell phone. I can live very comfortably with that title! By giving children all these technologies and not teaching them the consequences of misuse, we are forcing our children to grow up too fast. Jacqueline Tracy, JOHNS CREEK, GA.

As a teenager, I was insulted by Gibbs’ piece. Not every kid is manipulating his parents to distribute porn. And legislating that people under 18 not be allowed to use cell phones is ridiculous. The point of having responsibility as an adolescent is that you have leeway to make mistakes before adulthood. Gibbs’ argument sounds a lot like the one for that tried-and-untrue form of birth control: abstinence. It doesn’t work for teen pregnancy, so why should it work any better for teen cell-phone abuse? Alec MacMillen, HILLSBOROUGH, CALIF.

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