To the editor:

Working in our health care system for over 30 years, I've witnessed first hand the changes of our times. Passing HR3962 is the first step in correcting our mistakes. My husband and I are in our 50s. Last October, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Thank God we have health insurance because one year later, he has already incurred more than $16,000 in medical bills, conclusively. However, in February '09, he was told his division would be closing, moving his product line and equipment he designed to China and Mexico. Through the COBRA act, I can only pray that our benefits are maintained. However, my biggest concern is if/when he establishes new employment, that current insurance option will/would deny him for "pre-existing condition."

Having worked for various medical arenas, in processing insurances, I've seen the denials, fought appeals, explained to the elderly that they don't have the coverage they thought they once did. Painstakingly obtaining letters of medical necessity, etc. and not accepting the insurances' decisions, call after call, I always won. To me, it was my moral obligation to these patients. Back in the '70s, people took their insurance ID number to the doctor, no questions asked. Many were so naive, not knowing who their carrier was and even what the process was.

Through the years, the development of HMO's, PPO's, I've seen the greed, first-hand. Passing this HR3962, is the first step in giving back the power to our people. This is a moral issue. This is a humanitarian issue. As religion should not be a business, neither should our health care. Thank you to all the constituents who worked endlessly to get this passed. Most of all, please don't be fooled by the insurance industry and their empty guidelines. Anyone working for or within this arena knows, as I, they cannot win. I strongly believe my husband, along with millions of others straddled with medical costs, will be taken care of. It is our civic duty. Give dignity back to our patients. It is our moral obligation to our fellow beings, to continue to correct the flaws, corruptions and greed. I will forever use my voice for so many who can't.

Nancy Davis

Merrimac