Perhaps the most successful approach to delivering healthcare [ to those who need it] is the Section 330 Primary Care Clinics that have been installed in areas of the U.S. designated as “Medically Underserved Areas” (MUAs).

Everyone using these clinics pays something on a “sliding fee” scale, from a minimum fee that can be only $1 to a maximum fee based on the actual average cost of a clinic visit (the program sets standards based on formulas embedded in the enabling legislation–about $30 - $50). This model can be applied to secondary and tertiary level care. All health and health-related products, services, equipment and other healthcare resources eventually can transition to operate under this model. To be successful, the transition process will be important, must be carefully designed and most likely should be gradual.

Changing the health insurance payment system alone may somewhat impact the cost, but it will not reform health service delivery as it now exists in the U.S. Furthermore, implementation of this model does not represent a government “takeover” of healthcare in the U.S., as claimed by supporters desiring little or no change in the current unworkable private insurance company payment system. It is imperative that a viable alternative be set in place for those who are forced to decide between family survival and the loss of a family member due to an unaffordable but treatable terminal health issue!

The Section 330 model is not “socialized” medicine in any sense — only private corporations are directly involved in delivering the healthcare. The government is only involved in subsidizing its actual cost for those who are unable to pay and [establishing] sorely needed standards of care.

Dr. Nicholas B. Louis

Lighthouse Point

PALs donations: A little could equal a lot

Dear Editor:

Today I received a call from the Pompano Beach Chapter of the Police Athletic League (PALs). The solicitor started the conversation by saying that he apologizes for any inconvenience, but they only call when they are in great need.

He introduced the organization and how the Athletic League consists of Law Enforcement volunteers who create opportunities for at-risk kids and “teach them to shoot pool instead of shooting each other.” I thoroughly enjoyed the comedic intermission. He followed by asking if I would be willing to give. Immediately, I replied “yes,” and he sounded surprised at my lack of hesitation.

I told him that I … was happy to give … every little bit counts. He told me that most small businesses were giving around $200 or $300. I told him that all I could afford is $10. He was taken aback. He told me that he didn’t want to sound ungrateful, but they only take gifts from $100 and up.

With as many “no’s” as they receive for $100, they would actually be earning more money with $10 “yes’s.” If you walked up to me in my current financial need and offered to give me $10, I would gladly be gracious and thankful for it.

Stephen Martin

Lighthouse Point

What about FEMA’s Flood program?

Dear Editor:

I see on TV and read a lot about hurricanes, preparations, etc. in our newspapers these days. However, nobody is telling us about how to save money (millions) on Flood Insurance. Even the City of Deerfield Beach recently sent everyone in town an ill-advised flyer with lots of [questionable] statements about the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program. Herein lies a major story crying to be told.

Frederick Foreman

Deerfield Beach