Letter to the editor: Let's fix the health care system we have

Throughout the covid-19 crisis, America’s hospitals have come together with the rest of the health care system — from doctors and nurses to private insurers to government programs like Medicare and Medicaid — to ensure access to affordable care for patients. It has been a trying time, but hospitals nationwide have stepped up to the challenge.

However, under the public option that many in Washington are still pushing, things could be much worse — especially in rural communities where access to care is already limited. One study recently released shows that rural hospitals are projected to lose $14 billion this year due to cuts in commercial insurance payments and will only recoup half that amount in Medicaid payments. However, under a public option, those losses would be even greater — up to $20 billion.

Already, so many of our rural towns and communities are losing hospitals due to closures and consolidations. The last thing we need to be doing is adding fuel to that fire. Even worse, American workers would be funding public option through higher payroll taxes. Enough is enough.

Let’s focus on improving the health care system we have — not starting over with one that could make things much worse.

Randi Fowler

Bethel Park