The health care platform presented by Sen. McCain will not only cost the taxpayers an estimated $160 billion, but will bring an end to any regulation of insurance companies. Insurers will be able to choose whether or not to cover pre-existing conditions, and people with health issues will be forced into high-risk pools. Their premiums will be larger and their coverage less.

Having dealt with insurance companies for more than 21 years as the parent of two children with type 1 diabetes, I can assure you that once deregulation occurs, many people will find premiums unaffordable. Health insurance as it exists today is not great, but under Sen. McCain’s plan it will take us back at least 20 years to the good old days when insurance companies could pretty much do as they pleased, and traditionally, that is making money.

Please consider this issue before you make a decision on Election Day. Your life may depend on it.

Leslie Mansfield

Bangor