I agree with letter-writer's critique of Medicare Advantage

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

To the editor: Thank you, Dr. Susanne King, for sounding the alarm on Medicare Advantage plans. ("Letter: Medicare 'Advantage' is no advantage at all," Eagle, Dec. 2.)

I have long wanted to warn the public about the onerous restrictions imposed by Medicare Advantage, regardless of what commercial insurer underwrites the plan. Health insurance is so complex and esoteric, but Dr. King explained succinctly the pitfalls of "Medicare disadvantage."

The insurer makes money by "managing care," a euphemism for restricting any care they deem unnecessary or unjustifiable in their opinion, which is a long, long list. The government might like these plans because it saves them a lot of money with still enough to go around to reward the insurers handsomely. But why would you give away all your choices for this? You are lured in with the promise of free everything, but it is wholly misleading. Your choices are limited, many hospitals no longer accept certain Medicare Advantage plans, and many prescription drugs are not covered. The ads scare you by confirming that Medicare only covers 80 percent of Part B, but if you do the math it is really not that scary. Medicare has an allowable reimbursement for every procedure known.

The government has already negotiated a cost for you, and it is better negotiating than any insurer can boast. Do not give away your power; do not give away your choice when it comes to the most important thing in your senior years. You are only responsible for 20 percent of what Medicare allows the provider.

Kate Basile, Richmond

Live and let live: Deer hunting has never been a fair fight

To the editor: It is deer season.

It is an opportunity for humans to climb a tree in camouflage and wait for an unarmed deer to walk by. The human has a powerful gun in their possession as the deer does not. A fair fight, hardly.

The hunters drive proudly with the carcass strapped to the front hood of their car. The defense is too many deer. There are far too many humans on the planet, so do we choose the same solution as the deer? Killing a human is murder, but killing another species can be a sport.

The earth belongs to all species, from a slug to a king. Put your guns and egos away. It isn't now and has never been a fair fight.

Timothea Nearyfrench, Stockbridge

Support a modern update to state's sex education standards

To the editor: Let's be honest, most of us are uncomfortable talking about sex, but it's important to get past the blushing because this conversation is so critical.

By talking about sexuality, we are making the connection that promoting healthy behaviors encourages relationships that are consensual, respectful and informed. Comprehensive sex education prevents sexual assault, harassment, dating violence and more. A bill before the Legislature - called An Act Relative to Healthy Youth (S.268/H.544) - would ensure that the sex and relationship education taught in Massachusetts schools is high quality, accurate and inclusive. Healthy sexuality is having the knowledge and power to express sexuality in ways that enrich our lives. Healthy sexuality is free from coercion and violence.

It's important to understand that sexuality is much more than about sex. Sexuality involves our values, attitudes, feelings, interactions and behaviors. It is emotional, social and cultural as well as physical. It changes with time and experience. Everyone, especially youth, need accurate information about relationships, sexuality and positive behaviors to ensure they have the opportunity to make healthy sexual choices. These choices impact not only our lives but our loved ones and our communities.

We all have a role to play in building safe, healthy relationships and communities. We prevent sexual violence by talking about healthy sexuality.

By supporting policies like this one, we can help the next generation foster attitudes that promote healthy relationships, equality, and respect. I am asking readers to contact their representatives and ask them to support the bill and turn it into law.

It's time to talk about it.

Sydney Ovitt, Sheffield

What I think should happen with Housatonic Water Works woes

To the editor: Housatonic Water Works Co. customers should sue the Mercers for breach of contract: failure to supply services paid for. ("Should customers shoulder a 120 percent bill hike to fund Housatonic Water Works repairs? Officials from three towns weigh in," Eagle, Nov. 29.)

They should also withhold payment (put in savings/escrow) until the contracted service is restored. Customers should not pay for a company's improvements; that's the cost of doing business. If the infrastructure is failing, it is up to the Mercers to fix it. Would customers be expected to pay National Grid to repair power lines after a storm?

Brian J. Tranter Sr., Southfield