Comment on FR Doc # 2011-18342

It is a known fact that as presently constituted; health insurance companies are interested first in their bottom lines (profit) than having an efficient health care plan in place for consumers. Statistics have it that only about a third of the premiums collected by health insurance companies actually go directly into providing needed health care for consumers. The rest goes into administration and payments of dividends to shareholders. Therefore, the qualification, as contained in the Act for getting loans to start an Exchange to be contingent upon nonprofit is quite apt. While I am of the opinion that required flexibility as dictated by specific markets and environment should be considered in granting loans to sponsors of these proposed Exchanges, I will recommend that strong monitoring mechanism be put in place. The recommendation here is the establishment of an autonomous body; with powers to issue sanctions, to ensure that the ultimate goals of affordable healthcare coverage for the majority and lowering health care cost through competition in the market place are not sabotaged. In restating my support for the proposal to establish Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) Program, I wish to accomplish by my contribution and recommendation; efficient allocation of resources in the health care sector, healthy competition by providers, better healthcare plans and delivery for consumers, better care for seniors and the vulnerable; through Medicare and Medicaid and better use of healthcare care tax dollars.