Keep hospital open

I received an alarming letter from Mark Biscone, executive director of the Waldo County General Hospital.

It seems that in order to implement the governor’s health care plan, we must sacrifice the local control we now enjoy. Not only will prices and services be mandated by the state, but there is a good chance our hospital will be closed.

The governor’s plan is not the only way to go. For years the private sector has had its own ideas of how to fix our health care system, but these ideas have not seen the light of day because the democratically controlled Legislature will not consider them. Any decision as radical as what is being proposed should not be partisan.

The private sector should be involved in the discussion. Risk pooling, consumer-driven care, repeal of geographic access standards, and funding of a state-chartered insurance exchange are only a few private- sector ideas. Maine currently provides more Medicaid per capita than 43 other states.

Our hospital is a major employer as well as a major convenience. To close it would be devastating. Another layer of regulation is the last thing Maine needs. Support private enterprise and all the excellence and imagination it fosters.

Jerry Savitz

Northport