Dirigo health saves all of us money. In fact, last year it saved insurance companies over $44 million.

Overall, last year was a record year for the insurance industry. Enjoying record profits, big insurance companies were thrilled by the $44 million which Dirigo saved them. These greedy companies, however, refuse to pass those savings along to customers, and they refuse to support Dirigo by passing those savings back into the program.

Big, greedy insurance companies are making record profits and keeping the $44 million which Dirigo saved them. National corporate greed is a major problem here in the United States. From Enron to World Com, we have seen the effects on many American families.

I am sorry to see that greed coming home to roost with the big insurance companies in Maine.

Dirigo is working. It provides working families with affordable health care and saves us all money.

The greedy insurance industry should be ashamed and should pitch the money Dirigo saved them back into the Dirigo program.

Rich Pelletier-Simpson, Auburn