Single-Payer Health Care

* Re “Health Care: Be Ambitious,” editorial, Oct. 8: The only reasonable approach to the reform of health care financing is to institute a single-payer system with universal coverage. Guaranteed coverage for all, not just seniors and children, is the only moral choice. Ironically, a single-payer system would also be more cost-effective than the piecemeal approach in place now. The only loser with government-run universal coverage would be the insurance companies, and that is why reform will not happen until we find leaders with the courage to take on this parasitic industry. Unfortunately, I don’t believe that either George W. Bush or Al Gore is up to the challenge.

GERALD GOLLIN MD

Loma Linda University

School of Medicine

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* Your headline, “Health Care: Be Ambitious,” should be addressed to consumers rather than candidates. People needing unexpected medical services should seek providers who will perform for folding green cash. Cash customers will be amazed at the 50% to 90% discounts they can get. Everyone complains about paying for bureaucrats, managers, lobbyists and bean counters; and it’s not impossible to find doctors who are also fed up with the system. The rising number of uninsured should be regarded as a token of freedom, not of oppression.

MIMI GERSTELL

Pasadena