Jack Mintz (A Gentler, Better Tax Bite - Feb. 27) suggests several ways our governments could garner a little more tax revenue rather painlessly. One way he didn't mention is to declare that all expenditures on health care be a taxable benefit.
I don't have any idea how much I cost the health-care system for various visits to my doctor, the hospital or a clinic. I should get an annual statement detailing my visits and revealing the costs. This amount should then be a taxable benefit, with the portion to be taxed a function of my income. This would tell me how much I cost the health-care system and, when I have a cold, it would make me consider staying home with a bowl of hot chicken soup rather than going to the ER.