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I am writing in response to Rep. Josh Morris’ Oct. 15 column regarding solutions to Maine’s health care problems. He notes that Maine is “already reeling from hospital and clinic closures and an acute shortage of providers” and that “health care in Maine is already being pushed to the brink.” He also declares his focus on the Legislature’s Health Insurance Oversight Committee is essentially ensuring that nothing has been done.
Prior to my current position, I worked in two of Maine’s hospital systems for over 10 years. I personally witnessed and experienced the shortage of staff across all levels. I heard repeatedly of the fears of providers, including nurses, who were required to cover more and more patients or to work longer hours because of budget shortages.
I witnessed the battle between Anthem, which made $6 billion in profits last year, and Northern Light Health, which is struggling to provide basic healthcare to countless Mainers. I wonder what a billion dollars of healthcare would do for Maine residents and whether $5 billion in profits for Anthem would be “enough” for this out-of-state corporation.
For countless years now we have been told, ad nauseum, what Republicans are against in regard to healthcare. Eight years ago Republicans promised “a great plan,” for fixing healthcare in the U.S. Can we, please, find the wisdom and compassion to put our money where our sick and injured bodies are?
Jonathan Vogel
Franklin
