Don’t shred the health care safety net; strengthen it

Allen Kukovich has an important message for Republicans and Democrats (Aug. 20 Perspectives, “Republicans Are Wrecking Obamacare”). We have spent decades gradually building a system of public health programs (Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Affordable Care Act) to meet the needs of children, the elderly, the disadvantaged and those with disabilities. Without them, millions of Americans would be left without coverage.

Policymakers need to understand that, without coverage, millions of Americans will get sicker — leading to more expensive care for the entire country. Both sides of the aisle should work together to keep health care costs (both public and private) under control.

The correct way to control these costs is not to slash funding or reduce benefits. Rather, we need to find ways to deliver health care more efficiently by avoiding wasteful spending and improving patient outcomes.

Existing public programs have led the way in developing preventive health care services and in rewarding providers for positive outcomes. Many social conditions that lead to poor health outcomes have been improved as well.

We cannot afford to slide back by cutting these programs. Republicans need to appreciate the safety net we have built over the years, rather than attempt to shred it.

Democrats need to acknowledge that Medicarefor-All is not doable at this time. There are other ways to assure affordable health care by improving our existing building blocks to strengthen the safety net. We can provide coverage and increase efficiencies by ensuring that every dollar spent in health care delivers better care. ROBERT CICCO, M.D.

Scott