Almost eclipsed by the crisis in our financial institutions is a crisis of equal proportions in our health care system, namely, that more than 40 million of us have no health insurance. Millions of others who are underinsured end up facing grave illness and catastrophic costs leading to bankruptcy petitions.

The details of the programs of the two candidates running for president contrast sharply. We submit that it would be wise to ask candidates the following questions: Will I be penalized because I or a family member has a pre-existing condition? Will my coverage be comprehensive and include coverage for mental illness and necessary end-of-life care? Will my prescription costs be covered? If I have a job, will my employer be required to provide me comprehensive health insurance?

If I am unemployed, will there be a government program to cover my care by my family doctor or will I be required to go to an emergency room to wait in line for treatment? Will costs be contained by permitting the federal government to negotiate Medicare prescription drug prices directly with the manufacturer, or by reform of the medical liability insurance?

Readers should see the article, “Election 2008: The Partisan Divide – The McCain and Obama Plans for U.S. Health Care Reform” in the Aug. 21 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, pages 781 to 784.

Lawrence B. Mutty

Danielle V. Mutty

Castine