Letter to the editor: Where's proof of hospitals' covid 'subsidies'?

“Early on, state and federal subsidies were offered to hospitals throughout the nation for administering specific treatments and reimbursing hospitals for deaths classified with covid-19. These subsidies are poor incentives for achieving the mutual goal of minimizing suffering.” This is a quote from Garrett Ringler’s letter “End covid reimbursement policies” (Feb. 7, TribLIVE). I want to challenge that statement.

Mr. Ringler, please tell me where you got this information, and I would like specific detail. Who or what agency in the federal or state government is paying out these subsidies? What are the specific amounts, what is the specific criteria and who exactly is this money paid to at the hospital?

If in fact your statements are true, then you are suggesting that health care professionals are, and have been, intentionally killing (murdering) patients for monetary gain. If in fact you truly believe this and can document this, you need to bring this proof to the attention of the police and the district attorney.

Although I do not work in health care, I have several family members who are doctors or nurses. I know exactly what they think about people who spread this kind of information. I would be interested to see how other health care professionals consider your letter, particularly your own doctor.

Tim Babyak

Perryopolis