Since 2013, my health insurer has repeatedly decreased my coverage while jacking up my deductible (now $6,300) and increasing my premium by 50 percent to 100 percent each year. And what do they cover? A free mammogram – woo hoo. A wellness checkup with my primary care doctor, though if she gives me advice or orders tests, I have to pay for those. Wait, what are they covering? The reality is that I pay for all my health care out of my own pocket. In a catastrophic event, I’d still be out tens of thousands of dollars (just ask anyone with coverage and major medical bills.)

For 2016, they want me to bet $8,600 that I will get cancer or run over by a bus in the next 12 months. If I blew that kind of money at the Sky Ute Casino, people would think I was nuts! Why should I keep playing this stupid game?

Why is the United States the most advanced country on the planet to not have universal health care? Our medical system should be run like our electric co-op: everyone is a member of one giant, not-for-profit entity. No marketing budget. No bloated executive salaries. (This fat, glossy mailing from RMHP cost $1.86 to mail and probably another $4-5 for printing and handling – what a grotesque waste of money.)

I think next year I will spend my $8,600 on organic food, yoga classes and a nice vacation (and a fine on my tax return). At least I’ll be betting on continued good health, rather than the opposite. I can feel good about that.

Eilene Lyon

Durango