Editor:
We have several children in Massachusetts and have been pleased with the health care they are getting since the state passed their affordable health care law in 2006. It was developed under Gov. Mitt Romney, in cooperation with the Democratic legislature. Insurers in Massachusetts now provide the features that we all want: no exclusion for pre-existing conditions, no caps on benefits, everyone is eligible, and they have low rates because of 90 percent coverage.
Of course one of my sons like many young men who think they will never get sick doesnt want insurance and prefers to pay a few hundred dollars fine every year, when he does his state taxes. I disagree, but he figures it is cheaper for him.
It is not a perfect system. In some parts of the state you have to wait for mental health care. So there have been three amendments to improve the law, mostly aimed at reducing costs. The health care providers of Massachusetts are happy with the increased coverage, and Massachusetts is known for its high quality health care. Last month Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston was named the number one hospital in the United States.
Local businesses seem to be doing well too: unemployment has dropped to 6 percent and is still dropping. The Massachusetts economy ranks near the top, nationwide.
I am intrigued that we are now facing an election where both candidates Gov. Romney and President Obama really seem to understand the kind of health care our nation needs. Although in public Gov. Romney has modified his position to accommodate certain elements in his party, our country is clearly moving ahead on health care. We can be thankful that we have these two solid, thoughtful men to chose from. This is a great country.
Bill Jobin
Cortez
Via CortezJournal.com