It is appalling what Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and MaineHealth are doing, and shame on the Maine Bureau of Insurance for approving it.

Since the public cannot depend on those three entities to do what is right for central and southern Maine, people must do it for them. The public has to get off its collective derriere and fill the rooms of the upcoming public hearings.

Patients are already referred to Maine Medical Center by local physicians who are affiliated there, for specialties that are available locally. I experienced that myself, but chose to have my surgery at Central Maine Medical Center.

Why would anyone want to travel for an hour or more for care that is more expensive and, in many cases, not what is best for the patient?

Excluding six hospitals and their physicians takes away people’s choices. However, people can make the choice to look at other companies, even if they are not affected by the new plan.

Both Lewiston hospitals give quality care. There is no need to go to Portland unless the service is not offered here. My family has been employed by and has received great care at both hospitals, but St. Mary’s is not affected by the new plan, as it is already affiliated with MMC.

Everyone needs to take a good look at their present health insurance. The self-serving, backroom deal could turn around and bite those three entities in their collective derriere.

Lesley Coburn, Greene