Editorials / Opinion

Froma Harrop not only gets her facts wrong on consumer-driven health care; she also does not understand the limitations of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare [“Consumers are not the best health-care drivers,” Opinion, May 19].

The ACA does not “make sure” people get health insurance. Of the 50 million uninsured, estimates are that at least 20 million people will still not have health insurance as the $1.76 trillion ACA takes effect.

Harrop laments that “consumer-driven health care is still fee-for-service.” Not necessarily. The concept of “consumer-driven” simply means patients are in charge of their health-care dollars and decisions. Patients, as consumers, can decide how to reimburse their providers and how much “primary care” they want and need.

It is arrogant and condescending to believe patients are incapable of making their own health-care decisions.