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DISAPPOINTING
This is terrible news, in my opinion (“United Airlines departing Springfield,” March 30). The United flights to Chicago currently make travel to places in the U.S. and overseas easy and convenient for Springfield residents. I am very disappointed.
Gina Kovach
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
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UNSETTLING
I am so disappointed with the cut of United Airlines. How can we have a healthy business climate without the seamless service of at least one airline with a Chicago hub? As retirees who travel and no longer like commuting to O’Hare and parking, this is a blow as well. With our families who live in other parts of the U.S., this feels unsettling, as our safety net is shrinking if our kids need to get to us quickly. Maybe we will have to move for the final phase of retirement to be near a real airport.
This ridiculous, pretentious renovation of Capital Airport is even more of a sham. Apparently, somebody’s lobbying based on “build it and they will come” took the resources that a tough economic negotiator could have used to change the decision.
We had to change our June flight to the United Kingdom to go in and out of Decatur, where they still open every suitcase and go through it for a security screening. Their security screening for people is also extremely antiquated, but they have the service.
Mary Caroline Mitchell
Via illinoistimes.com
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SO SAD
We are the capital of Illinois. How can this be allowed to happen? I personally used both airlines to connect to other flights. So sad!
Nancy Poffenberger
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
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FALLOUT FROM BLUE CROSS
Thanks to Dean Olsen for keeping Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s feet to the fire (“Another fine for Blue Cross,” March 16). I wanted to add my experience through this challenging time.
BCBS absolutely destroyed my health care network of Springfield Clinic specialists for my diabetes, heart problems and basic tests, like a colonoscopy. Over the years, these people came to know me, and I to know and trust them. Now I have to go to SIU, where I get shuffled around from one nurse practitioner to another. I have waited a week – with two phone calls from me and two from my pharmacist – to get an essential heart medication refilled. Appointments? Never less than two months ahead.
While I am glad the big blue meanie got another big fine, that does nothing for me or the thousands of others now without legitimate health care for their families.
Rick Wade
Springfield
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NONPROFIT?
“The corporation posted total annual revenues of $49.3 billion and profits of $1.46 billion in 2022, reflecting a profit margin of about 3%, according to documents filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. (Blue Cross’ parent company) posted total revenues of $45.9 billion in 2021, $44.1 billion in 2020 and $38.5 billion in 2019.” But when it comes to taxes, they are a nonprofit? How does that work?
Tina Davidson
Glenarm
This article appears in The future of farming.
