Health care in U.S. must be better

People are justifiably angry at the health insurance industry and the recent article highlighting their practices (“Luigi Mangione murder case draws scrutiny of health claim denial rates, with three of Maryland’s top insurers higher than average,” Dec. 17) validates those concerns. However, focusing on the failures of UnitedHealthcare and others distracts us from the overarching problem: our profit-driven health care system is broken.

The United States is the only developed country that does not guarantee health care to its populace. In 2022, 27.6 million were uninsured (8.4% of the population) and many more millions were underinsured. The United States spends 40% more than any other country in the world yet ranks 42 in health care outcomes.

In an op-ed piece in the New York Times, Andrew Witty ($25.2 million in salary/benefits), the CEO of UnitedHealth Group said he was “willing to partner with anyone … to find ways to deliver high-quality care and lower costs.” He should consult with Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP) and Healthcare-NOW. For years, they have supported Improved Medicare for All. This program would guarantee every American continuous coverage from birth to death for all medically necessary services, regardless of income, employment status, pre-existing conditions or where they live. Because everyone would be in the same plan, administrative costs would plummet creating massive savings. PHNP estimates that 95% of all households would save money under this plan.

There is a solution to our healthcare morass but only if we have the courage to fight for the change we need.

— Richard Bruning, Baltimore

Deporting immigrants should be handled carefully

Mayor Scott and Gov. Moore are not just being cautious about deporting undocumented immigrants, they’re being smart (“Scott, Moore cautious toward potential Trump deportations as regional leaders take different paths,” Dec. 20).

There are already reports of companies around the nation struggling to find employees as workers are either fired or leave their jobs because they fear being swept up in the deportation hysteria. It will only get worse. Mass deportations of hard-working immigrants will damage both small businesses and large corporations. Baltimore’s and Maryland’s economies will suffer if they can’t find workers. Instead of deporting immigrants, Baltimore should make a concerted effort to invite immigrants to our city which has been losing population for decades. Most immigrants come here because they want a better life and are willing to work hard to achieve it. In Baltimore they can start new businesses, renovate homes, pay taxes (which will increase Baltimore’s tax base) and add to our rich cultural heritage that has benefitted in the past from the arrival of German, Irish and Italian immigrants. As those provided new energy to our city so will these new immigrants. Deport them? No. Bring them to Baltimore instead.

— Oz Bengur, Baltimore

Illegal firearms are bringing Baltimore to its knees

The other night I heard a few waves of police cars from my residence in the heart of Towson. I found soon after that they were headed to an accident where two cars were racing on Loch Raven Boulevard near Joppa Road. One car involved in the incident ended on its side on the Johnson-Fosbrink Funeral Home parking lot. There is an abundance of morons in Baltimore and adjoining counties, and many are packing illegal firearms (ghost guns). In a macabre way, guns and firearms are slowly bringing down Baltimore. Lastly, most of these losers do not know how to properly fire a handgun, and that was evidenced by the imbecile way gunfire was so sloppily exchanged the other night in Towson. Thank God for idiots who cannot properly fire a pistol, because there would have been many more dead if not for the ineptitude of the goons with guns.

— Patrick R. Lynch, Towson

Pimlico folly

The multibillion-dollar deficit that Maryland is facing is a major hurdle that may be difficult to overcome without raising taxes on the Maryland taxpayers. But one way to help us all is to cancel the $400 million proposal to fix Pimlico Race Track, a track that is open for racing only one week a year for Preakness week. Let’s face the facts. Horse racing is a dying industry. With competition from online betting on practically everything imaginable, horse racing has been declining steadily over the years.

And why spend that money when you have a perfectly good track all ready to go here in Laurel. The facility is still in very good shape. A slight rename to The Pimlico at Laurel Park is a much cheaper alternative.

— Philip Rose, Jessup