In his letter published Oct. 16, James Fitzmaurice worries that the government might start paying for health insurance. Apparently he is unaware that, under the present hit-and-miss system of employer-based care, the government is already paying part of the cost. It does this by not taxing either the employer-paid portion or the employee wages used to pay premiums.

So, Mr. Fitzmaurice, that ship has sailed. Sen. McCain promises to send it back to port by taxing our employer-paid health premiums. However, the basic question is this: Will we have health care insurance benefits that are available to everyone who pays taxes and administered by neutral public servants with no profit motive to deny care? Or will we continue in the present misbegotten system where some have health insurance, if they are fortunate enough to work for employers who can afford it, but may find their doctor's decisions overruled by managed care company representatives?

Sadly, Mr. Fitzmaurice and those who agree with him have little to worry about. As reaffirmed in their most recent "debate," neither presidential candidate has any desire to have the government provide health care for everyone.
Richard Hall
Red Bank