It comes as no surprise that home health care companies are laying off direct care therapy staff, “Medicare payment change leads to drastic home health care cuts for some,” (Feb. 16). As noted, most home health care agencies are for-profit. And don’t forget that many are large corporations run by people who pay themselves millions of dollars every year. Just look up executive compensation at Health South, or Kindred Care and you’ll see what I am talking about.

I'd be willing to bet that President Lyndon B. Johnson would be angry that his system, funded by taxpayers, would be rendered far less effective through unabashed greed by so many. And that’s not to blame the direct care staff who are getting laid off by powerful administrators interested in preserving their own lavish lifestyles. Of course, there’s the adverse effect on people struggling to keep up with those costs.

It’s no wonder why rich corporations team with lobbyists and equally greedy politicians to fight universal health care. Not because it would be ineffective,  but because it threatens to do away with their excessive pay and profits.

Bryan Sayles

Waterford