Health care should be available to everyone

To the Editor:

A 63-year-old woman works as a caregiver for the elderly through an agency.

Through her employer, she is able to take out a health insurance policy. However the monthly premium is $700. (This is before deductibles and co-pays.)

Her gross annul income is $21,000, of which $8,400 goes for health insurance premiums. This leaves her $12,600 to live on. Is this not at or close to the poverty line?

Here's another.

A 61-year-old woman has been offered a part-time job at a grade school as a piano accompanist.

She would like to accept the job offer. However, health insurance is offered only to full-time employees.

She is told that she could take out an individual policy. However, after talking with the insurance agent, her application is denied for reason of a "pre-existing condition."

The above two scenarios are only a couple among many that illustrate the need for health care reform.

Everyone needs health care that is affordable, transferable and available to those with pre-existing conditions.

Polly Hohn

New Milford