DEAR EDITOR:

I read recently that the government is considering changes to Medicare by allowing Medicare negotiation for prescription medications. Should changes to Medicare pass, patients could have a harder time accessing prescriptions they need.

If Congress were to set the prices of certain prescriptions, pharmaceutical companies might not be able to continue to sell those medicines to Medicare recipients. As a retired nurse, I know better than most that getting the right treatment is crucial to leading a long and healthy life. I believe that this can only happen when patients and providers are left alone to make crucial, personal health care decisions. The government does not belong in any doctors’ office.

Patients deserve access to the best possible care, and I fear that is just not possible if Congress passes changes to Medicare. Certainly, ensuring affordable access to care is important, but price-setting policies just aren’t the answer.

I urge our representatives to vote no on Medicare negotiation.

LORETTA BLEGGI

Canfield