I read with interest the article stating Independent Health is raising its rates 10.5 percent next year. I found it amusing that we should be grateful that it is only a 10 percent increase because it initiated some cost savings and forced its members to use generic drugs. However, if you follow health care, one can’t help but notice that the year Hillary Clinton was going to fix health care was the only time health care costs decreased. Once her proposal was defeated, prices went right back up and have stayed that way.

Sen. Charles Schumer is correct to try to apply anti-trust legislation to these companies, as Blue Cross and United Health Care will be raising prices soon. Notice how they all follow each other in raising rates, demonstrating it is a virtual monopoly without regulation.

This is why this country needs a strong public option and serious health care reform. The cost of insurance will not be decreasing any time soon and it will only get worse each year if left unchanged. Already the threat of a public option has decreased prices somewhat, but not enough. We cannot afford to wait any longer.

Michele Murray

Gainsville