To the Editor:

Re “Eager to Sink Medicare Plan, Lobbies Unite” (front page, Feb. 24):

Do proponents of “Medicare for all” really want that, or something else? I think a lot of the public who want free or subsidized health care plans might be disappointed if Medicare were extended to everyone.

Medicare is not free health care. Nor is it the universal coverage that some countries like Britain have. It is insurance that covers some, but not all, health care expenses.

Anyone who signs up for Medicare must pay a premium for Part B (medical services) coverage. In addition, most people purchase a Medicare supplement (Medigap) plan from a private insurance company to cover deductibles, co-payments and other out-of-pocket costs. Many also purchase a separate Part D plan to cover some of the costs of prescription drugs .

Eye care and dental care are generally not covered. And, of course, Medicare, designed for an older population, does not cover maternity care and contraception. Total premiums can come to $300 or more per month.