Correspondent: Cafeteria Health Care Rewards Non-Clunkers

Cafeteria Health Care Rewards Non-Clunkers
Editor, Times-Dispatch: My health care plan is one of those that covers all sorts of things I will never use, and many I hope to avoid. Maternity care and family planning -- I'm almost 55, and so far, childless. The plan covers contraceptive drugs and devices -- I'm post-menopausal. Smoking cessation -- I've gone this far without a puff. A boatload of mental health and substance abuse benefits -- the strongest thing I've ever imbibed is a couple of cups of morning joe.

The plan is light on services that I do use, such as dental care and massage therapy. For almost $500 a month, I get far more than I will ever use and am clearly subsidizing other enrollees and the insurance company.

Regarding health care reform: What about a cafeteria plan where one would pay for coverage of basics such as hospitalization and office visits, but could opt out of services that were clearly irrelevant? Not only would it lower premiums, but it would also allow many who need only a skeleton plan the opportunity for real coverage. The insurance companies shouldn't balk; in return for minimal extra effort, they could increase their subscriber base. The policies would be self-limiting, cost-containing, and somewhat behavior-modifying by their very nature. You get what you pay for, so act responsibly. The ironically pro-choice, conservative, working haves don't realize that their employer-based plans cost them higher salaries and the rest of us jobs. The have nots are loaded with time and heart-wrenching stories, loudly vocal, but with little to no agreement as to what changes to make.

I'm not obese, have no chronic illnesses, watch my diet, and exercise daily. I'd like to see some cash as a reward for not being a "clunker" and would gladly nibble at the cafeteria.

Karen Ann DeLuca.
Alexandria.