Health care: Don’t confuse ‘human rights’ with ‘political rights’

Editor,

To those that take issue with the notion that healthcare is a human right and not in the Constitution: The very preamble opens with the phrase “to provide for the general welfare.” It was for such reasons that “we the people” did ordain and establish our Constitution.

Some respondents seem to confuse political rights with human rights. They are not necessarily the same.

I found myself buying health insurance for the first time outside of an employer group health plan this year. With no major illnesses or chronic diseases, I was denied or priced out of the market. So for the first time in over 20 years I am without coverage, and I am on the universal healthcare bandwagon for a single payer system … just like Medicare. Funny, but very few people call Medicare welfare or socialized medicine for those over 65.

It is time that all Americans have access to affordable healthcare. I have yet to see a doctor, clinic or home health care agency refuse Medicare payment, but I have seen plenty refuse many of the so-called free market plans (I work part time as a medical social worker).

Rick Fifer
Florida Executive Realty
Tampa

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