Dear Editor:

Let’s prevent another senseless murder. There is a bill being considered in Augusta (LD-910) that as legislative bills go, is short and simple. It requires that health insurers report on the number of claims they deny.

One would think that this proposal would be obvious common sense, but this bill is a carryover from last year where it has been met with stubborn opposition from the health insurance lobby and their Republican allies. You might shake your head in wonder as to why Republicans oppose giving their constituents access to information that would better guide their medical decisions.

But money talks. Insurers have figured out it is cheaper to delay, deny and defend rather than pay for their customers' claims. This criminally lethal mode of operations is very profitable and their money is talking to any politician who is listening.

The problem is that this goes beyond simply denying their constituents the opportunity to make an informed choice. While GOP politicians often falsely accuse liberals of being socialists or communists, these very same politicians, in opposing legislation such as this, have been quietly undermining capitalism itself.

Competition is the invisible hand of capitalism. Competition fosters efficiency, innovation and protects the consumer where there is transparency. It compels businesses to improve on price and quality. Without competition there is no impetus to improve and the economy moves toward monopolistic practices.

Sadly, the GOP is more focused on the profits of these companies than protecting the central tenants of capitalism or even the health and welfare of their own constituents.

The passage of LD-910 will limit this erosion of fair market conditions and force insurance companies to improve their product as they compete with companies who might offer higher quality services at a better price.

If you rely upon a health insurance company for your health and well being, you might want to put aside your political prejudices, be they red, blue or orange, and urge our legislators in Augusta to pass LD-910.

Fred W. Nehring

Boothbay