Reader to Landrieu: Cut Reid’s cake, not Medicare

Dear Editor:

I recently relocated to Baton Rouge from Long Island, N.Y., in hopes of continuing to practice quality medicine.

Louisiana provided a glimmer of hope for the future of professional medicine. Now, however, some of the issues that brought me to the South are being suggested as national solutions to a health care system that does need reform. I fear that the propositions senators are debating miss the mark.

It’s somewhat ironic – or, perhaps “appropriate” is a better word – that Sen. Mary Landrieu planned a fundraiser for Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid as debate on his incredibly expensive health care bill escalates.

It’s especially interesting to note that the event, had it not been cancelled at the last minute, would’ve taken place in Louisiana, where so many residents will be affected by rising costs. And this all comes on the heels of the recent celebration of Reid’s 70th birthday.

It is evident that Sen. Landrieu has endeavored to use her influence for the better in these negotiations in attempts to remove the public option and to alleviate Louisiana’s budget shortfalls. But this bill has fundamental problems. There are still not evident solutions that will establish cost curves on insurance premiums. Small businesses need stronger protections against rising costs. Next to nothing has been said regarding malpractice reform, which is an incredible hindrance for doctors, not only financially but professionally. The threat of malpractice suits prevents us from doing our jobs to the best of our abilities. These issues must be addressed.

Also extremely concerning is the nearly $500 billion in cuts to Medicare that would fund this gargantuan undertaking, effectively pushing costs to senior citizens who, in Louisiana, have come out in force to defend their current health care coverage – even at town halls attended by Landrieu herself. Seniors DO care.

This bill places the burden squarely on the backs of those seniors – a move that simply should not happen. Seniors would lose access to vital tests and the choices of doctors they are familiar with – choices that grow more important with age. If Reid were to ever leave federal employment, he himself would be subject to these cuts, as would Landrieu in 10 years.

Landrieu has publicly said that this reform will not be decided on political whim. If that is the case, she should feel free to support her colleague Reid by fundraising, but not with her vote on health care. She can cut the birthday cake with him, but she shouldn’t cut Medicare.

Justin Matrisciano, M.D.,

Baton Rouge, La.