To the editor:

Alas! A way has been found to do away with Medicare as I have known it since 1973. This federally administered program has been a tried-and-true approach to meeting my medical needs and those of other elderly people. The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) strives to meet the health needs of the younger segment of the population. It is inevitable that kinks will need to be worked out of this new program, but should it be abandoned before trying to improve it?

Some fight restricting capitalism’s right to make a profit, even if that profit derives from ill health over which individuals have little control. One day, our society may share the consensus that medical care for all is due. By removing companies’ ability to profit from ill health and by recognizing our human right to medical care, we can usher in a new era of health and happiness.

But beware of the Kansas Legislature’s action instigated by the current Republican majority to adopt the Health Care Compact. What will happen to our Medicare program if it is administered by the state? Of course, the national clout behind the program would be diminished. Now, is it worth the risk to allow extreme adjustments to a long-time program that has given us good service?

I hope it isn’t too late for Kansans to become aware of this trend in our governing bodies.