The statement that the federal government would require everyone on Social Security to undergo counseling every five years for an explanation on how to end their lives is not true. The provision in the House bill would allow Medicare to pay doctors for voluntary sessions that address end-of-life issues. Every adult should have a “living will” or “advance directive” that spells out the patient’s wishes if he/she becomes incapacitated and is not able to make his/her health care decisions. Hospitals are required to ask adult patients if they have advanced health care directives and, if they don’t, to offer assistance in preparing one. This mandate was instituted in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush.

Do you want to die with a feeding tube in your stomach? With a machine breathing for you? Connected to all kinds of machines? In your home with your loved ones around you? Every adult needs to make these decisions and put them in writing. If they are not in writing someone will make the decisions for you when the time comes.

Health care insurance companies frequently deny claims, decide what kinds of drugs they will pay for, and can drop an individual’s coverage whenever they want. If you do not believe that health care insurance companies do these kinds of things I have one word for you — Katrina.

A public option should be available for those who need one. We need to have a serious, polite and truthful debate about health care reform. Spreading lies does not add to the debate. Health care in the United States is in need of a major overhaul. It is not sustainable in its present form.