I agree with Gus Runte of Atascadero and his Jan. 16 letter to the editor regarding insurance rates. Why should Anthem Blue Cross be able to increase its rates by 18.2 percent? I don’t think it is to cover uninsured individuals — insurance companies only cover their own clients.

I think they are raising the rates now so they can overcharge all those currently without insurance when they try coming on board with Obamacare. I also believe the California insurance commissioner should be able to regulate rates and not allow large increases.

And speaking of insurance, once you are covered by Medicare, why should you need a supplemental plan? Why are there deductibles, co-pays, etc., on Medicare?

And I think the Medicare drug plans are just another way to make the drug companies and insurance companies richer. I don’t think George W. Bush created this plan to help Americans, just large companies. I never had to have an extra supplemental insurance plan or separate drug plan when I was covered under an employer’s health care.