Revamping broken healthcare system

Re “Universal healthcare gains unlikely backer,” May 7

This article reads like a cleverly disguised ad campaign for the drug companies and big insurers that are pushing to mandate, not provide, health insurance. I would expect The Times to give other plans, such as the single-payer proposal by state Sen. Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica), equal coverage and present information from all sides. Why doesn’t the article explore the question of why our healthcare system doesn’t work in the first place?

Could it be that much of our healthcare dollars don’t go to healthcare but instead are wasted on private insurance companies’ advertising costs, outrageous executive salaries and campaign contributions?

So far, the single-payer plan is the only one that offers true universal coverage that would work long term and provide excellent care for all.

SALLY HAMPTON

Los Angeles

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The problem I see with many universal healthcare proposals is their reliance on the current system. Most proposals also perpetuate the employer-based model that is outmoded in today’s society.

Putting patches on the current system to cover more people would only further complicate the system and ultimately cost more money. I believe a universal healthcare plan can be devised that increases efficiency and still provides quality care and preserves patient choice. To do so, however, will require us to move beyond what has been tried in the past.

WILLIAM MCREE

San Luis Obispo