Re: May 5 news story.
The Denver Post’s excellent guide to the American Health Care Act should be required reading for every Colorado voter to understand what theirÌırepresentatives believe.
The implications in the House proposal to slash health care and raise costs for low-income families, older AmericansÌıand those suffering chronic debilitating disease areÌıenough. Then, to add a 30 percent penalty to rejoin the world of the insured after a 63-day gap leaves one wondering what moral compass is guiding our representatives.
For the vast majority of voters who will not take the time to understand this proposal, let me simplify it for you. This bill gives Darwin’s theory as it relates to humans a new context; it is simply survival of the richest.
David Sage, Parker
I am partially paralyzed because of a spinal cord injury. Three years ago I had a setback that required more help than my wife could give if she were to continue working. I was eventually able to get on Medicaid, whichÌıallowed us to afford to hire a caregiver to come into my home and help with dressing and showers, etc. What a blessing this was. My quality of life has improved immensely with the help of a caregiver. My health has improved greatly. My outlook on life has improved greatly.
I think there is a good chance that I will lose my Medicaid eligibility if Trumpcare becomes law. Many of my disabled friends are also very worried. Some of them may lose their independence and be forced to move into a nursing home. Please encourage Sens.ÌıMichael Bennet and Cory Gardner to vote down this harmful bill.
Roy High,ÌıGrand Junction
There has been a lot of controversy recently concerning the Affordable Care ActÌıand possible replacements, much of it about the mandate on insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions. Every argument I’ve seen for this provision is an emotional appeal based on anecdotes from unfortunate individuals. But emotion is not a sound basis for making law — logic is.
Insurance is basically a form of gambling. At casinos or racetracks, people make a small wager hoping to get rich, but with insurance, people make small wagers so that some upcoming calamity won’t make them poor. It’s about managing possible future risks. But a pre-existing condition isn’t a future risk; it isÌıa present fact. Everyone knows that you can’t get in a wreck and then buy auto insurance and expect the company to pay for it. Those who advocate for this mandate, though well-intentioned, are unwittingly saying, “Let’s make insurance fraud legal.”
Paul Scott Williams, Denver
If I were to sign a contract to purchase a car, a house, an educational program or insurance, I would be advised to sign only if I agreed to what was in writing, not what I was verbally toldÌıby the salesman.
Our elected Republican representatives signed onto aÌıversion of the American Health Care Act that had been in print for only 24 hours.ÌıThey did not have time to read the act as it was written, let alone analyze it for its implications to their citizens. Was their promise to repeal the Affordable Care ActÌıso importantÌıthat they didn’t want to know what they agreed to or what it would mean to the people they are elected to represent?
N. Burg,ÌıArvada
Governing is a responsibility and a privilege. A recentÌıdisplay brought the institution of the U.S.ÌıHouse of Representatives to a new low. Hosting a victory party in the Rose Garden? Heckling the opposition party as if the chamber was a football stadium? Neither action showed intelligence, thoughtful deliberation or concern forÌıthe American people.
It was disheartening to hear elected officials admit to not reading the bill or voting for it in spite of not liking it because leadership told them to vote. The rushed vote superseded the Congressional Budget Office scoring such an important piece of legislation.
If there is any truth that this bill will have ramifications for 24 millionÌıAmericans, then shame on Washington. America deserves leaders whoÌıare concerned about the people, the process and the implications.
Sandie McNamara, Denver
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