Extending Health Coverage

California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown’s article on health insurance (“Getting Health Coverage for the Left-Out Millions,” Op-Ed, April 14) addresses an issue of vital importance to all Californians. Unfortunately, his approach would still leave millions without coverage--and those millions include many who need coverage most.

The Speaker’s own numbers suggest that 2.5 million of the state’s uninsured--those who are unemployed or who work less than half time--would not be covered by his bill. For many people with multiple sclerosis or other diagnosed conditions that render them medically uninsurable while limiting their employment options, that makes the Speaker’s bill an empty promise.

We recognize that the vast number of uninsured Californians pose major problems for the state, and we applaud the Speaker’s effort to do something. But we urge him and the entire Legislature to make sure that those who have been left out of the health insurance system for years don’t wind up being left out again.

LAURA REMSON MITCHELL

Government Issues Coordinator

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Glendale