National Health Care

According to a study conducted by the economic research firm DRI/McGraw-Hill, the typical American household may have to forfeit $461 worth of annual medical services under President Clinton’s proposed health care scheme.

That’s the same as nine visits to the doctor!

For some people who just don’t get sick very much, this may not be a big deal. But to thousands of elderly Americans who are getting more susceptible to illness and injury every day, this loss of medical services could be devastating.

And since I’m sure elderly Americans will be asked to bear a huge portion of the cost of this plan--just as we had to with Clinton’s recent tax increase on Social Security benefits--it doesn’t make sense that we should also have to suffer the most.

Of course, I think this plan is bad for all Americans, not just the elderly. No one should have to face sub-quality rationed health care. America, despite its very real problems, is still the envy of the world when it comes to quality medical care. No one is denied lifesaving emergency treatment.

But if President Clinton’s plan passes and the government limits how much the nation can spend on health care, our medical quality is going to plummet along with our access to care. Just look at the experience of the former Eastern bloc nations.

HOWARD K. WILSON

Corona del Mar