To The Editor:

Health care for all Americans has brought out many organized groups to achieve this goal. It has also, re-energized the obstructionists groups, most of whom have health care, and feel very threatened, if everyone were to receive health care.

Is the debate a conflict between the haves and the have nots? Yes is my answer.

The newest group is “Organizing For America.” It is called OFA and it has a wealth of good material, great speakers and an experienced, energized supporter base.

It has minimal key requirements of the legislature. The goals are: affordability, quality, public option plan, deficit management, no denial for pre-existing conditions. Nothing calls for the government to come between patient and his or her doctor.

However, I personally have experienced just such interference from a clerk in the healthcare industry.

Examples are, how long patient can stay in hospital, what procedure you are allowed to have, continuity of care, appeals process to receive follow-up cases (custodial) care vs skilled care.

The company cited above bailed out of in 1998 in Lee County because the county had too many seniors. After selling all those plans to seniors, they then had to scramble to get another policy and very often this change meant a chance of physicians in a different plane.

To add insult to abuse, this same company returned to Lee County with a plan that increased their profitability.

The healthcare industry increased costs 96 percent from 2000-2008. Estimated increases for the next three years is 30 percent per annum. Oops, there goes another 90 percent. These costs devour family budgets.

Where do you find money for food increased costs, gas increases, car insurance hikes, Homeowners insurance , clothing, etc.?

If you support health care for ALL Americans, please write or email: Connie Mack, Bill Nelson or Mel Martinez, our representatives in Washington.

Joan Patterson

Lehigh Acres