Early settlements in the new world succeeded because everyone banned together and through mutual support provided the essentials to ensure survival. Heath care reform recalls that spirit of community to ensure affordable health care for all Americans.

The basic function of the reform is to band together the community to ensure that everyone gains access to health care. Today medical care for the uninsured is paid by those of us who have insurance. It is covered through high premiums and higher hospital cost. It is because the uninsured only access to health care is through the emergency room, the most expensive method of care service.

The health reform brings the uninsured into the medical care system, so that they can address their health care needs at the doctor’s office. This will relieve the burden from hospital struggling to make end meet and will improve the quality of life for millions.

As a young man I chose not to carry insurance. The logic was simple — I was healthy. Why pay the cost? It was a selfish act.
Health reform will set aside that short-sighted selfishness and allow my children to access medical care, and perhaps address health care needs before they become a major life-threatening issue.

I would urge Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins to please weigh this perspective when they vote.

Ben McCollister, Canton