I read with interest the article written by two Associated Press reporters headlined “Dems take aim at pharma, insurer profits” (Monitor front page, Aug. 12). I hoped it would help me as I sort between the various Democratic candidates and decide for myself which of their visions of health care solutions might best cure our health care dilemma.
I appreciate the research the AP and the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget did relative to insurer profits, showing “real numbers,” but I was sorely disappointed to see that neither looked at what the insurers and particularly Big Pharma spend on advertising. Those figures are not included in their profit margins but rather in their costs, and certainly do not pay for health services or research. And in the case of Big Pharma, those enticing ads may even be seen as contributing to the national opioid addiction levels.
I can remember back when they were not allowed to advertise drugs on TV. Maybe we need to reconsider that permission.
DIANNE SCHUETT
Pembroke