Fix health care
I began my career in the insurance business the day Bill Mazeroski hit the famous home run and the Pirates won the World Series in 1960.
During the decades that followed I was an insurance underwriter, agent, broker and agency owner. Today, I teach the agents licensing classes as well as continuing education classes for those who must maintain their license. With no disrespect to President Trump, insurance is complicated and has always been so. States regulate the business and for good reason; do we need another federal government agency, say the Department of Insurance?
It would be nice to have more competition but in the end insurance has always been about the law of large numbers. Premiums from the many pay the claims of the few. When the claims are many, premiums must rise. Buying insurance after the house burns down or one gets sick just does not work. One of the reasons flood insurance ends up on the backs of taxpayers is because only those who live on Water Street or Ocean Drive need it. Folks who live on High Mountain Road do not need a policy due to their elevation and being away from the water.
Over the years there have been some good changes in the insurance business. Pre-existing conditions are a big improvement as long as people are not allowed to jump on a policy after they get sick. If they have paid into the system over the years no one should be denied coverage. Wellness coverage and prevention coverages are important in helping people stay healthy and getting ahead of an illness.
The current system is extremely complicated and needs to be fixed so that people receive they care they need. Let’s keep a good base without mandates that offers protection to all at reasonable costs and allows the insurance industry a reasonable profit.
We all know this can and must be fixed. This will take a new approach that includes both parties and President Trump working together. Americans want our leaders to govern. This is why we sent them to Washington. Looking at the approval rates of Congress and the president, we are not happy and want action and no more talk about how easy things are to fix. Do your job and fix it!
Jack Hughes
PO Box 128
Chalk Hill, Pa 15421
724-322-2201