Readers Speak Out on Insurance Fee Changes

Abysmal Dental Benefits

The increase in dental costs has skyrocketed over the past decade. Unfortunately, the "benefits" offered by the OPM [Office of Personnel Management] plans do not reflect these increased costs.

As a result of the woefully inadequate coverage offered by the OPM-negotiated plans, many federal employees/retirees will be unable to afford the necessary medical treatment required to maintain their dental health.

There can be little quarrel that the OPM has done an abysmal job in negotiating dental coverage with its "approved" carriers. This conclusion is further compelled considering the tremendous leverage enjoyed by the OPM when it negotiates health-insurance contracts with carriers.

-- A. David Lafer

Washington

My Dec. 2 column, "Room at the Top for More Diversity" generated a range of responses.

Total Disagreement

I have read your article . . . in the Federal Diary and I am in total disagreement with you.

Diversity at the top is great in theory, but in reality it degrades our government.

We should be hiring the best and brightest possible. If they happen to be people of color or any other group, it should not matter. That is racist thinking.

I have worked in Washington, D.C. in the federal workforce, and I saw firsthand the problems that occur in hiring of people for ethnic reasons. I finally left government because of this.

We need the best, and I do not believe skin color should dictate that decision.