U.S. citizens are in need of true health care “reform” based on individual control – that is patient/market-driven allowing real competition, less insurance company and government bureaucracy, results-based payments, freedom to buy high-deductible policies or any we choose, recognition that employer health coverage is compensation, incentives to live healthy lives, and that actually saves costs in order to provide coverage for those who are truly in need.

So, naturally the Democrats come up with a zillion-page politically-driven plan, written by lawyers, labor unions, AARP and drug and insurance companies that pretty much does the exact opposite: takes away more freedoms, limits health care for many, ignores tort reform, and benefits those writing the bills, rather than we citizens.

It is really tragic that the only solution lawmakers have to any problem in this country is another entitlement that (like all government programs) will undoubtedly cost many times the already-mind-boggling estimates. Hmmm, why aren’t members of Congress participating in the plan themselves?

Can someone tell me how guaranteed health care is an incentive to live healthy lives?

Gary T. McGavran Bellevue