Preexisting mindset?

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ recent column (May 5 edition) seems to reveal preexisting conditions of her own: deafness to her constituents, blindness to health care realities and mental delusions about the impacts and effectiveness of Trumpcare.

“House Republicans aren’t seeking to strip [pre-existing conditions] protection away,” she says. Really? Then why did they give states an escape hatch to jettison this requirement?

She continues: “Access to health coverage can’t be denied.” Okay, but it can now be made unaffordable. Of course, “safety nets” will cover this “for those who need them most.” Reality: high-risk pools have failed in many states and will drain quickly. More reality: 52 million Americans have preexisting conditions, not the “2 million” cited as her delusionary statistic. Yes, most of those 52 million will have access to health care, but be disenfranchised financially by high premiums. And, speaking of being left out in the cold, how about that wonderful plan to let Medicaid dry up over time?

As for deafness, why no hearings, no testimony from doctors, hospitals or end-users? And why no reality-check score from the Congressional Budget Office?

The answer: A massive federal reduction in health care spending that funds the greed-driven sequel to Trumpcare - windfall tax cut for the rich.

Steve McNutt

Spokane