As a result of how beautiful and what a tourist attraction the city of Bend is, its population has grown. While it is great seeing so many people attracted to what Central Oregon has to offer, a growing population also has its disadvantages. One of those disadvantages is how HMOs are affected. HMOs are designed to provide health care for the poor. However, the problem with HMOs is that in large cities they make it more difficult for citizens to receive proper and immediate health care.

While it is true that it is better to have some health care plan rather than none, it could also be said that the health care plan is only good if it works. In major cities, where there are a lot of citizens who cannot afford health care, seeing a physician or having an emergency taken care of may become a difficult task due to the fact that your physician will have many patients. The overload in patients makes it more difficult for you to see your doctor in a time of crisis or to make an appointment.

While HMOs allow everyone the chance of receiving the health care they deserve, in larger cities citizens do not receive the proper attention they need. HMOs are a great system. However, in larger cities such as Bend, it may be time to consider a new system so that the citizens of Bend receive the care they deserve and need.

Melisse Root

Terrebonne