The Star-Ledger, Reader Forum

Every customer of the health insurance companies doing business in New Jersey has a horror story about denials of coverage, the inability to speak to a cooperative service person on the phone, skyrocketing premiums coupled with decreased services and increased deductibles and the total lack of accountability by insurers. The health care providers we rely on to safeguard our health, our doctors, have equally difficult relationships with insurance compa nies, and as a result, often refuse to accept any insurance in an effort to minimize red tape and maintain their financial security.

When physicians like John Ciccone, a successful cardiologist, are willing to lead the fight for the fair treatment of patients who need a specific medicine, all New Jersey health care consumers should be grateful ("Doctors say insurers step over the line," May 4). Many doctors will not take the time to fight for patients. I appreciate and acknowledge the efforts of those such as Ciccone to bring this issue to the forefront on behalf of those who have no leverage with insurers.