Regarding "Fla. judge declares reform law void":

While reform and wider availability of healthcare insurance is needed, this law isn't the answer. And, as it has been raised numerous times, competition will reduce rates and make insurance more available if insurance companies—already among the most regulated—were allowed to sell across the entire country.

We've already seen that rates have taken dramatic increases since the law was passed, and yet the benefits—if realized—wouldn't be seen for several years, and after the 2012 elections.

I, for one, am tired of reading the propaganda about “32 million Americans” who will be affected. There have been numerous articles written that put the number at closer to 12 million to 14 million, once the illegal aliens, people who can afford health insurance but choose not to purchase it, and people who are between jobs for an average of seven weeks and will have employer-provided healthcare shortly are deducted.

While 12 million to 14 million still is a significant number—and many are treated, without charge, by healthcare facilities that are required, by law, to treat them, regardless of their ability to pay—it certainly isn't as sensational as the 32 million that gets bandied-about.

Jonathan Arck
SAP Labs
Walnut Creek, Calif.