Sounding Off:

I wonder how many Americans stop to consider how much they pay for and are controlled by insurance companies.

We have life insurance, auto insurance, homeowner insurance, renters insurance, title insurance, appliance insurance, travel insurance, health insurance, nursing home insurance, drug insurance and investment annuities.

I have probably forgotten some.

It has been our experience over the past 40 years that when we have made claims, our auto insurance was raised, our homeowners [insurance] refused to reinsure us, and I could not change health insurance due to a preexisting condition.

Insurance companies have the largest buildings, unlimited dollars spent on TV, radio and magazine advertising, pay great stock dividends and have the most lobbyists. So, naturally, they have a vested interest in defeating health-care reform.

I suspect that most of our congressmen and media who are opposing health reform are in their pocket.

It is time for Americans to wake up and look out for your own best interests, and that is a public option. It will ensure competition and give us real reform.

It is not socialism. That is repeated to scare you. It will not put the government between you and your doctor.

Today, the insurance company is between you and your doctor.

It took two years, five Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian emergency visits, a hospital stay of seven days, a hospital stay of four days and many doctor visits before my husband’s HMO insurance plan approved his needed surgery.

On the other hand, my government Medicare plan has never questioned any procedure recommended by my doctor.

Again, the insurance industry is trying to scare you. And the Republican Party is falling in line.

Its motive is only to regain political power and defeat everything President Obama stands for.

I thought Republicans were for competition and democracy.

Their actions prove otherwise. It is all about power, and they will do whatever it takes. As Rush [Limbaugh] says, “even if it means bringing down the USA”

As a former Republican of 40 years, I am ashamed. We are Americans first and party members second. Let us not let the insurance companies win.

CORANNE GIBSON lives in Newport Beach.