The big question about our healthcare system

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Blue Cross's Vermont Health Connect premiums have risen by over 90 percent during the last nine years. This year Blue Cross and MVP are asking for double-digit increases. Is this sustainable?

In reviewing a book calling for a total overhaul of the U.S. health insurance system, MIT's Peter Dizikes noted that "Americans have $140 billion in unpaid medical debt, more than all other personal debt combined, and three-fifths of it is incurred by people with health insurance." Is this sustainable?

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget reported that Medicare Advantage plans could be overpaid by the financially strapped Medicare Trust Fund by as much as $1.6 trillion over the next decade. Is this sustainable?

Insurance companies rake in huge profits to the detriment of each of us because we treat health care as a commodity or a privilege. We need a system that benefits the people who need health care, not insurance companies. Over 100 sponsors, including all three members of Vermont's federal delegation, reintroduced Medicare for All back in the spring.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, Medicare for All would save $650 billion each year while providing care for all of us.

It would provide comprehensive health care coverage to all - including primary care, vision, dental, prescription drugs, mental health, substance use disorder, long-term services and supports, reproductive health care, and more, with no out-of-pocket expenses, insurance premiums, deductibles, or co-payments. It's the streamlined and cost-effective system we need.

Charlie Murphy Bennington

Fun at North Bennington

High School's 1963 class reunion

If there is anyone in the area that has any doubts as to the positive state of our people and community, they need to have been aware of the reunion of the Class of 63 of North Bennington High School on July 29th and 30th of this year.

Celebrating 60 years since we graduated, we gathered at Lake Paran and the Country Club to exchange memories and celebrate local members of our community who have given so much to our town. This was no small feat, as some members have moved far and wide and made great efforts to battle health issues, expense and other issues to be there. As you can imagine, many stories were told of when Miss Catherine Corcoran was very much in charge, and a lusty rendition of the old Alma Mater was sung. Many, sadly, were no longer with us, and some were not able to make the trip.

The final gift to the community was to share a beautiful fireworks display at Lake Paran. Our sincere thanks go to Art and Kathy Whit-man and the members of the committee who made it happen (Laura, Bobbie and Cheryl).

Again, I wanted to say that as long as people care enough to remember and celebrate together, I feel that our community is in good hands.

Liz Fenwick North Bennington