Issue Position: Healthcare

Issue Position

I believe that healthcare is a human right and that no person should die because they cannot afford health insurance or care. In one of the wealthiest countries in the world, people should not be forced to use the emergency room for primary care because they cannot afford health insurance. That is simply unacceptable.

Let's not forget that our health insurance industry is for-profit. At least 20% of an over $3 trillion (yes, "trillion") industry goes to profit. That's an enormous incentive. And while Americans pay more for healthcare than any other high wealth country, we have a lower life expectancy and poorer outcomes overall. We should be getting better bang for our buck.

That's why I'm proud to serve on the Senate Healthcare Committee as the Vice Chair. In that position, I have advocated for increasing access to care for all Washingtonians and helped pass the first meaningful step forward in women's reproductive healthcare Washington has seen in recent years, expanding access to contraception for women across Washington State. I am so grateful we passed my bill to include 3D mammograms in preventative care services in all Washington-licensed insurance plans. That will help save lives and healthcare costs through early detection. I am continuing to work on the "public option" to compete with private insurers to drive down premiums and ensure no Washington county is left without access to health insurance. I am also working to make drug prices more transparent and fair, and to raise the age of smoking/vaping to 21. We also have an opioid epidemic throughout our state that requires us to face some hard facts about how we respond. I will continue to use my voice to stand up for those who lack basic healthcare and will continue to look at ways to expand access in our district and across the region. Like education, healthcare is one of the best investments we can make in the people of Washington!

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