Socialized medicine model fraught with potential pitfalls

I think it’s time for Bernie and his cohorts to take a look around. There are healthcare facilities closing every day as a result of bankruptcies due to declining revenue and everincreasing costs. Changing to a Medicare-type fee schedule is an unsustainable economic platform.

Reducing provider payments by $384 billion the first year will not encourage innovation, drive excellence or entice talented people to enter the field. I’m afraid we will see an overall decline in the quality and type of care Americans receive.

The socialized medicine in other countries only works because people have accepted that level of service— long wait times, denial of services based on age/need, slower adoption of shiny new medical equipment, etc. In our country, we demand healthcare now and we want the very best, most expensive available.

This Bernie Sanders-socialist medicine model that many are clamoring for is fraught with potential pitfalls. When Americans finally realize exactly what it will mean for them, I think it might change their opinions. Yes, everyone might be covered, but at what cost, both economically and health-wise?

I think everyone agrees we need to transform healthcare in America, but in my humble opinion, this is not the solution.

Denise Adema Fort Myers, Fla.