Letters to the Editor [Yakima Herald-Republic (WA)]

Now that's a benefit

To the editor -- We're now seeing the benefit of Obamacare requiring, depending on the size of the employer group, health insurers to spend 80 percent to 85 percent of the policyholder premiums on health care. Over $1.3 billion will be returned to policyholders.

Thirty-one percent of individual policyholders or 3.4 million people will get back an average of $127.

Twenty-eight percent of small business will get back an average of $72 per employee.

$54.1 million will be returned to large employers.

I agree with Kaiser Family Foundation's study showing this requirement will lessen future premium increases. The incentive will be for companies to increase market share or the number of insureds rather than finding ways to market increased premiums.

The insurance industry likes to point to Massachusetts as evidence Obamacare will fail. However, the latest poll taken among people living there like it by a margin of 2 to 1. According to an Urban Study in Massachusetts, 98.1 percent of the population has coverage compared to 83.3 percent nationwide.

Will Obamacare ruin Medicare? The latest study shows Medicare is solvent until 2024. Unlike private insurance companies who will have us believe they will fold by the end of next year if they don't get their annual rate increases.

DON HINMAN

Yakima

Special Olympics thanks

To the editor -- The Special Olympics Program at West Valley High School was recently blessed with many donations that were made in lieu of flower to honor the late Barb Rodriguez. Mrs. Rodriguez was an amazing special education teacher with an unbelievable heart for children with special needs. The students in our program want to thank everyone who donated. We were able to purchase equipment so that all our athletes regardless of disability could participate more in the sports we compete in.

On behalf of all those involved with our Special Olympics program, we want to thank those who donated and also to honor Mrs. Rodriguez for being an amazing teacher and inspiration.

LUCAS JAEGER

Yakima