EDUCATION
Can’t fathom Bookman’s voucher criticism
Jay Bookman’s column against school choice for special-needs children (“Vouchers fail effectiveness test,” Opinion, March 22) misses the most basic element of persuasive argument: the facts.
The “Special Needs Scholarship” is one of Georgia’s education success stories. Under Georgia law, special-needs children may choose the school that best fits their educational needs. The test scores of this small group of students show marked gains, including nine of 10 meeting yearly progress standards. More importantly, parental satisfaction is astounding. Parents gave their former schools an approval rating of 16 percent and their new school an approval of 95 percent.
One might conclude that such amazing success must cost considerably more. The truth is the scholarships are some $3,000 less than current spending on the student. Yes, better education at a considerably lower cost. It’s hard to imagine anyone in their right mind would be against this.
State Sen. Chip Rogers, Woodstock
HEALTH CARE
Stop telling lies about Affordable Care Act
While I may disagree with some points made in “Is first year of health care law living up to promised claims?” (Opinion, March 22), I applaud the concept of an honest debate.
My organization celebrated when the Affordable Care Act was signed into law. We supported the bill because of our strong belief that access to affordable, quality health care is a human right. Since then, we have been appalled at campaigns designed to spread misinformation about the law and its effects. It is OK to disagree. It is emphatically not OK to deliberately lie or mislead.
Unless the public understands the true impact of the law, lies will continue to be spread. Americans deserve the truth, and access to health care that will make us a stronger, healthier nation.
Stephanie Niedringhaus, NETWORK, a National Catholic Social Justice Lobby
HEALTH CARE
Sometimes, there’s no substitute for the ER
Regarding “Insurers steer patients toward ER alternatives” (News, March 19): Despite the growth of urgent care centers in America, emergency visits continue to increase. This is partly because most people seeking emergency care (more than 90 percent) need to be there.
Urgent care centers are great options for common medical problems when a physician’s office is closed, or unable to provide an appointment. However, they don’t have the same equipment or trained staff as emergency departments. They are not substitutes for emergency care. Unlike emergency departments, urgent care clinics are not open 24/7.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia’s campaign may save some money, but it’s important for people to have access to emergency care when they need it. The bottom line: If you think you are having the symptoms of a medical emergency, seek emergency care.
Dr. Sandra Schneider, president, American College of Emergency Physicians
