To the Editor:

I have been reading with interest about the "Grand County Gamble" concerning citizens without health insurance. I have a few responses to the series that has been running in the paper.

I have personally experienced all phases of the health insurance "gamble." As a child, I was covered by my parents family plan. We rarely went to the doctor, but accidents happen, especially with six kids, so my parents chose an insurance plan (possibly instead of vacations, luxuries and extras).

My first job out of college had group insurance plan in which I participated.
Consequently, the only time I needed to use it, I was denied because I hadn't been enrolled for the two months prior, and only needed help for strep throat.

I myself engaged in the "gamble" for nearly 15 years when I worked for an employer who couldn't provide benefits. I chose, as the majority (not all) of the "uninsureds" do: to be uninsured. I eat healthy, don't smoke, rarely drink, don't do drugs and generally take care of myself, so I chose to spend my money elsewhere. I did buy an inexpensive accident and sickness policy from Combined Insurance, to cover some expenses if an accident should occur.

Was it a Cadillac policy like the nannyist policies have required? NO. Would it cover everything? NO. Did it cost an arm and a leg? NO. However, it was insurance, and insurance is a back-up plan, not a cure-all/cover-all.

If you want to fix health care and insurance in America, push for tort reform and help stop the ambulance chaser lawyers who will sue for anything and get big judgments for ridiculous incidents.

I say be responsible for yourself, quit whining, quit expecting government to fix everything for you, and quit giving illegals free health care. More government is not the answer; more PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY IS THE ANSWER.

Tish Linke
Granby