In response to Jim Cannon’s Jan. 12 letter, “A Single-Payer Health System Isn’t Realistic”: Not only is single payer realistic, but it also is the only universal, equitable and affordable solution to our current broken health care system.

Years ago, my company was able to cover the full health care costs of my employees. Over time, my health care costs have dramatically escalated and I have had no choice but to burden my employees with a restricted network of providers, rising copayments and increasing deductibles.

In 2010, when President Barack Obama enacted the Affordable Care Act, I was optimistic that the SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program) Marketplace would enable me to offer an affordable, enhanced health care solution. Unfortunately, we experienced increased premiums and reduced coverage.

The time for single payer has come. The Pennsylvania Health Care Plan, House Bill 1688, will be reintroduced toward the beginning of this new legislative session. Under this bill, my employees would have no deductibles, no copayments and a choice of providers. Funded by both employers and employees, it is a middle-of-the-road win/​win solution for all, resulting in cost savings for companies and their employees.

Medical providers would be able to spend more time with their patients, instead of dealing with insurance companies. Small-business owners could focus on growing our businesses instead of spending time evaluating health care plans.

For more information, please go to www.healthcare4allpa.org.

ANITA PRIZIO
President
Pittsburgh Crankshaft Service Inc.
Larimer

First Published: January 20, 2017, 5:00 a.m.