Confronting Cox on Health-Care Cuts

* I was glad to read in The Times that some members of Christopher Cox’s district are speaking out against his record in Congress (“Cox Bill on Malpractice Protested,” Oct. 5). I recently visited Congressman Cox’s office, along with four other of his constituents, to address his position on Medicare and Medicaid cuts, which he claims will “save” these benefits.

I pointed out that $250 billion in cuts was excessive, and the fact that the cost to Orange County alone would be $2.79 billion. I showed how a group called Citizens for Tax Justice has identified [how] the federal government could save over $400 billion in five years if they just closed 10 corporate tax loopholes. I also pointed out that the CEOs of the 10 top health-care corporations collectively earned $2.4 billion in 1994.

While 41 million Americans have no health coverage, Mr. Cox’s amendment to the Medicare/Medicaid bill puts a cap on pain and suffering awards of $250,000, while the CEOs of these health-care corporations make that in a week. But then these corporations contribute well to political campaigns. It seems it is easier to target Medicare and Medicaid or some poor malpractice victim, because these don’t bring in much for your next campaign. I join this group in confronting Mr. Cox. It is easy to see where his special interest is. It is not the health-care consumer.

LORIE FISHER, R.N.

Chair, Health Access Orange County

Laguna Hills