It's time for universal healthcare in Washington state

St. Michael Medical Center is run by a corporation whose first interest is increasing its “bottom line” rather than healthcare services. This should never be allowed, and isn't in any other modern country.

One problem, of the many mentioned, is that too many people go to the emergency room when other options should be available. These options are not available to thousands across the state because our healthcare system which has thousands with no coverage and many with poor coverage and all of us paying far too much for too little.

A true universal health care (UHC) system would solve these problems. Hundreds of volunteers across the state have collected signatures to put a true UHC on the ballot for Washington residents. This system would provide every single state resident with comprehensive healthcare free at point of service, with no co-pays, no deductibles, no bills and no premiums. The legislation would establish "The Washington Health Trust," but the Legislature has sat on this legislation for years, refusing to even consider it, most likely because of the pressure from the powerful healthcare lobby.

We must fight back against the healthcare lobby by contacting our state representatives and telling them we need UHC now, not in 5 or 10 years. For more info go to wholewashington.org.

Mike Benefiel, Bremerton