As healthcare costs rise, some point fingers

I HAVE been a nurse since 1974. I have never, in 33 years, received an 8 percent salary increase. Neither have my two co-workers, with 34 and 46 years of career experience. I am offended by the statement by Peter Markell, a vice president at Partners HealthCare System, who suggested that such annual increases in nursing salaries are one of the reasons for rising health costs ("Health coverage rates will rise again," Page A1, Sept. 13).

I found inappropriate another statement, from a healthcare consultant, blaming people who seek top-notch healthcare. When people are ill, their first concern should be trying to get well, not avoiding certain facilities that are deemed "name-brand teaching hospitals."

Why is it that the salaries and extra benefits and perks of health insurance company executives are never taken into consideration when the rising costs of health coverage are discussed?

SHARON YU
Haverhill