We’ve known for decades that our health care system is overpriced, underdelivers and falls far short when compared to that of other developed nations.
John Grisham wrote “Rainmaker” in 1995, and in 1997, a movie based on the book was released. Nearly 30 years ago, it was evident that some insurance companies were employing policies of “deny, defend and depose.” Some still are. While this is socially and morally reprehensible, in no way does it justify the cold-blooded execution of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on the streets of Manhattan.
While insurance companies need to be held to account, so do pharmaceutical companies and consumers. Pharmaceutical companies push new, expensive drugs and find ways to prolong the drug patents. One cannot watch TV without being bombarded by commercials for expensive drugs. Consumers demand these drugs from their physicians even when they’re not the best treatments for their conditions. We consumers also engage in many behaviors that we know are not good for us and fail to do things we know will improve our health. So who’s to blame?
We all are. We all need to do better.
Doctors need to be empowered to make recommendations for their patients that will be honored. Insurance companies need to trust and abide by doctor recommendations and pay for necessary procedures. The system needs to focus on wellness, early detection, appropriate treatments and reduction of costs. Treatments need to balance lowering costs while driving positive outcomes. If treatment at a hospital costs four times what a clinic can provide, then go to the clinic.
But care needs to be provided. At every level, the health care system needs to be focused on eliminating waste, reducing costs and avoiding unnecessary procedures while driving positive outcomes.
We each need to take accountability for our own health and well-being. We need to start trusting each other again. We need to let go of cynicism. We need to acknowledge that we can have both positive health outcomes and profitability. We must never forget that we’re all in this together.
Our society has evolved into one of stark inequities. CEOs were paid 399 times that of their rank-and-file workers in 2021, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Too many Americans live paycheck to paycheck and are one $500 expense away from the road to financial ruin.
America is a great and wealthy nation. Health care should be a basic human right for every American citizen. Without our health, we have nothing.
We can and must do better.
— Sally Munn, Crystal Lake
Health and lifestyle choices
Demanding a single-payer, efficient and equitable health care system sounds great. However, such changes might only make it easier for Americans to continue to destroy their health.
Many diseases and the lower life expectancy are largely caused by lifestyle choices. Addressing the fundamentals of how we abuse our health will shrink our bloated and greedy health insurance industry.
— Susan Haley, Oak Brook
Don’t merge transit agencies
The Chicago area’s looming $730 million mass transit fiscal cliff caused by the end of COVID-19-related federal subsidies is an inflection point for northeastern Illinois. Given the importance of transit to our region’s economic vitality and quality of life, sustainable funding for transit is a priority. Any changes to the region’s transit system, considered along with sustainable funding, must be guided by fiscal analysis and best practices.
The Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART) concluded that northeastern Illinois transit service has historically operated more cost-efficiently than most peer agencies in the U.S. In addition to reviewing potential funding sources to fill the federal subsidy gap, PART also sought to address the need for improved services through more collaboration and coordination among transit providers.
The report suggested two options for changes in transit system governance — consolidation of the Regional Transportation Authority and the CTA, Metra and Pace into one entity or an empowered RTA with the three agencies remaining intact. While consolidation may sound appealing and efficient, proponents of consolidation provide scant details while touting significant cost savings. The Northwest Municipal Conference believes that consolidation would have adverse consequences for the transit services so vital to our region.
Merging the CTA, Metra and Pace, each with its own labor agreements, procedures, debt and legacy costs, would increase overall costs for regional transit. Shifting legacy costs, specifically pension liabilities created by one of the agencies onto a new consolidated body, would not save money but would increase costs for suburban taxpayers.
The more effective strategy — an empowered RTA — would ensure fair, meaningful regional representation while fostering more collaboration and coordination among the service agencies. It would preserve the specialized focus and localized expertise of the service providers.
Talk of consolidating transit governance misdirects attention from the hard conversations that must occur regarding revenue sources and legacy costs to ensure the transit system serves the entire region in the 21st century.
The Northwest Municipal Conference will continue to raise its voice in these difficult conversations and oppose proposed consolidation efforts, which ultimately would compromise transit service for our constituents.
— Karen Darch, president, village of Barrington
Cartoon is very offensive
I am disgusted with the “cartoon,” “Argyle Sweater” by Scott Hilburn, on Dec. 12 that depicts Jesus about to be kissed by Judas under the mistletoe. It is disrespectful and insulting, not only to Christians who believe Judas’ betrayal kiss is abhorrent due to Christ being the son of God but also to all those who have been betrayed by a trusted person.
If this is touted as an expression of free speech, I have a right to express my disdain for its supposed humor and lack of empathy and respect.
— Roberta Dieden, Huntley
Suggestion for state flag
With all of the financial issues that our state has, financing for a new state flag should not even be considered. However, if our legislature insists on pursuing the issue, the flag should be solid white, as in “We surrender.”
— Cary Riske, Grayslake
Keep holiday lights going
Why don’t businesses and residential buildings downtown keep the holiday lights up until the end of February? January and February are such gloomy months. The lights could bring a little life to the area as we all await spring.
— Sheila Clancy, Chicago
Let’s fight porch pirates
Last year, more than 120 million packages were stolen in the U.S. Some police departments are fighting these porch pirates with decoy packages that contain trackers. Unfortunately, Chicago police are not doing this, so the thieves have little to fear and will continue stealing our packages.
Having packages delivered to access points is a good idea, but for many deliveries, only the shipper can change the address. In addition, many delivery drivers drop off packages on porches, ignoring instructions to ring doorbells or to place the packages in secure places.
— Larry E. Nazimek, Chicago
Note to readers: We’d like hear from you about what inspires you and helps you feel fulfilled during the holidays, whether religious or secular in nature. Email us a letter of no more than 400 words to letters@chicagotribune.com. Be sure to include your full name and your city/town.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.