Healthcare costs could be reduced

The data on infant mortality for 2006 published by the United Nations show that Iceland is lowest at 2.9 deaths per thousand births and the United States is 33rd at 6.2. The countries of Europe are in between.

The study points out, however, that the methodology of Japan and Europe is quite different from that used in the US. For example, stillborn babies are not counted there but are in the US. The study states the actual difference is less than reported and in no way demonstrates a deficiency in medical care in the US.

Also, a UN life expectancy study for 2006 shows Japan as No. 1 with 82.6 years and the US 38th at 78.2 years. I submit that this difference is attributable to lifestyle differences rather than poorer healthcare in the US. It is well known that obesity is much higher here and that obesity has a negative effect on health. Seniors are beneficiaries of Medicare, a government program, so to the advocates of universal healthcare, how can Americans have a shortened life because of inadequate care?

Healthcare costs could be reduced if doctors and other medical practitioners did not have to pay such high malpractice insurance premiums because of frivolous lawsuits.

Medical savings accounts, financed by the government where needed, would be a better solution for healthcare for everyone because it has the element of encouraging individual responsibility. The plan for universal government coverage creates a dependent class which the Democrats hope will be voters for them.

When we become a society dependent on the government for our wellbeing, we become like India before they decided to throw off the socialist shackles.

Glen Holzhausen