Patients’ Rights

* The presidential commission is proposing a “patients’ bill of rights” that will only increase the cost of medical care by further mandates and regulations on the insurance companies and providers of health care (Nov. 19). Patients’ rights can be protected by increasing competition and giving patients the right to choose their own insurance plan.

Freedom of choice of insurance plans is limited by the fact that insurance purchased by an employer is tax deductible and insurance purchased by individuals is not. A “right” that the patient should have is the right to make decisions on the type of insurance to purchase without having to pay a tax penalty if it is not purchased through the employer.

STEWART BROOKS

Chatsworth