To the editor:

We need health care reform, not a health care revolution.

Supporters of the proposed health care legislation believe they will have good coverage and costs will be affordable over time. False! My experience with government-run Medicare is “he who giveth also taketh away.” Just two examples: First, each year Medicare reduces reimbursements to the medical profession; second, the current legislation takes $500 billion from “Medicare Advantage” that primarily covers retirees with limited incomes.

This means Medicare recipients must buy supplemental insurance to cover gaps in Medicare coverage. Medicare Advantage customers are in danger of losing coverage or some benefits. Additionally, reductions in Medicare reimbursements increase premiums for supplemental insurance. Medicare Part B premiums increase annually. Government involvement in health care reduces coverage and increases costs to us.

President Obama admitted at the health care summit his plan increases premiums and fails to reduce costs, missing his critical goal. President Obama is proposing a panel to control health care costs. Nothing good comes from price controls. History teaches us product shortages occur in an industry under price controls in addition to diverting investment away from that industry, stifling innovation.

If the proposed health care legislation is so wonderful, ask yourself why Democrats could not pass health care with majorities in Congress and why it takes bribes of congressional members to secure votes. Washington knows this legislation is not about helping you and me. It is about expanding dependence on Washington!

At their peril Washington uses parliamentary tricks to pass health care legislation and imperils us in the process.