More doctors must speak up for more health reform

I read with surprise and pleasure, Dr. Dean’s letter in the Sunday paper, advocating expanded Medicare for everyone, instead of the Affordable Care Act. I cannot say how happy I was to see the medical profession stepping up for universal medical care. To remove private insurance companies from medical care, as we did for veterans, seniors, and some of the poor under, respectively, the Veterans Administration, Medicare, and Medicaid, would be a huge boon for all.

I remember when Medicare came into effect in 1965. My grandfather missed out by a few months. We heard the conservatives crying, “Oh, socialism!” Really? We heard it in the 1930s when FDR wanted to feed people and give them work. Social Security lifted millions of seniors out of poverty. We heard it when LBJ wanted to give dignity and hope to millions who did not have the benefit of huge pensions. He understood what it meant to be poor and have no hope.

I benefited from Medicaid when I was a single parent working and going to college. I had thought when the ACA was being constructed doctors would be a guiding force, but it is not too late. Doctors, please speak up more!

Olympia

This story was originally published July 25, 2015 at 5:01 PM with the headline "More doctors must speak up for more health reform."