DEAR EDITOR: Almost all people, both political parties, the American Medical Association, the drug companies, and the insurance industry agree that health care needs reform.

A strong, lively debate on what those reforms should be is appropriate. But that dialogue suffers greatly when misinformation and scare tactics are put forth as truth.

I wonder if these people have actually read HR 3200. Having read almost the entire current proposed bill, here are some examples.

A) There will be a government committee deciding what treatments and benefits you get.

Truth: The proposed health insurance exchange committee will address only what is covered, not specific treatments; and does not extend to grandfathered policies.

B) Medicare benefits will be cut to pay for the cost of the new health plan.

Truth: I do not see anything in this bill that reduces current Medicare benefits. There are proposals to reduce fraud and waste in Medicare.

C) Health care will be provided to all non-US citizens, legal or illegal.

Truth: This article makes sure that no one is refused coverage because of "personal characteristics" (age, race, sex, etc.). It does not address illegal citizens.

D) Health care reform will force us to pay more for care that already costs too much.

Truth: A primary goal of health care reform is to lower the costs of care for everyone. Doing nothing will make us pay more for health care.

E) End-of-life consultations will be mandatory f or seniors and the terminally ill.

Truth: The bill does not make such consultations mandatory.

Rich Sanford

Woodstock