So, Rep. Heintzeman has been on the Health and Human Service Committee for less than two months and, according to his Guest Opinion on Feb. 18, he already thinks he is an expert on the subject. An area that is complex, and complicated, with both federal and state rules and regulations is always a moving target.
I served as chair of the Health and Human Service Committee for 26 years and I know it is not a subject you can be an expert on overnight. The issue of a one-payer health care system has been around for many years. As far back as the late '70s and early '80s. Keep in mind the state and county governments have run the Medicaid program in the past at less than 5 percent administration while the insurance company rate can be as high as 25 percent. So where does that extra money go?
At one time as chair of the committee I was not so sure a one-pay system was the way to go. But if you want an easier, cheaper system then this is the way to go. This is not a partisan issue but Mr. Heintzeman made it one. There should be public hearings on an issue such as this before a decision is made.
Don Samuelson
Brainerd
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Samuelson represented central Minnesota for 32 years-20 years in the Senate and 12 years in the House
