Cherry-Picking

* The intent of HMOs to dump another 933,000 Medicare recipients (July 25) is the latest example of the shameless cherry-picking by the HMO industry. By dumping the unprofitable (sicker) patients on Medicare and retaining only the profitable ones, the HMOs avoid risks and assure themselves profits. Cost savings would result if HMOs were cut out of the system and all patients were handled directly by Medicare. Medicare funds that now go to HMOs to pay for their high overhead costs and executive salaries, advertising and lobbying campaigns and profits could be used to improve patient care and expand benefits, including prescription drug coverage.

SYLVAN GOLLIN

Claremont