The story about what candidates for governor have to say about health care in Maine was extremely disappointing and concerning. One feels these people neither understand nor experience the Maine health care system so they really have no idea what people have to go through. They are oblivious and respond with platitudes and useless promises.

My wife and I are seniors who have to deal with three health care “portals,” three billing systems and three places to try and see the reports about our health care visits. We can’t find doctors. There’s a shortage of health care professionals but how much money is wasted on multiple administrative systems people have to deal with? And, there’s the constant risk of lack of communication and coordination between all these systems. 

We need candidates who understand and live with, perhaps, these experiences, and are committed to truly working to figure to how to lessen the burdens, get more health care professionals and enable people to get some quality of life instead of wrestling daily with these obstacles. 

Let’s have some courage, candidates, and get some ideas into the gubernatorial debate and election.

Marshall Cohen
Portland