Memo to Legislators: Doesn’t Our Health Deserve the Same Legal Protection as Our Cars?

How interesting to read Ralph Vartabedian’s column on the efforts of auto insurers to direct their policyholders to preferred, contracted shops for their auto body repairs [Your Wheels, July 29].

Vartabedian addressed the topic just right. The claims of cost saving and quality service by the auto insurers remind me of the same tune hummed by these same insurers as they forced the public into HMOs. The difference, as mentioned in the column, between health-care insurance regulation and auto insurance regulation is that California law prohibits auto insurers’ requiring motorists--or even suggesting to them--that they use any specific repair shop for their auto damage.

There is clear concern by the legislators that the cost-saving motivations of the auto insurers might not be in the best interest of adequate or safe collision repairs.

Sad that the care and repair of human beings has not been afforded the same level of concern by regulators. There is clearly no such law prohibiting HMOs to direct or force their human insureds to any low-bidder health-care “shop” in the name of cost-effective management.

So beware, HMO drivers. When your human engine starts rattling, call your auto body shop. Your choices for care are far more protected there than in the health-care insurance marketplace.

JEFFREY STEINBERG, MD

Tarzana