Issue Position: Health Care

Issue Position

The importance of high-quality healthcare in our state, and especially our region, is imperative. Being employed in the healthcare field, I have seen first-hand the inadequacies of the current health care system. I see high premiums, over-reaching government mandates placed on providers, and lack of transparency- and the patient suffers. This is not acceptable; we need a system that works for the people, not the insurance companies. In addition to an overhaul of our healthcare system, I want to fight the drug epidemic that has affected so many in our area. We can no longer afford empty rhetoric by politicians, we need action; these are some of the actions I plan to take to help the people of District 90:

Our region has the most people per capita with at least 2 chronic conditions. More emphasis needs to be placed on preventing these to begin with. I want to work with care healthcare providers to promote cancer screenings, smoking cessation, mammograms, prostate screenings, colonoscopies, etc. Let's stop these conditions before they start.
Ensuring patients with preexisting conditions and chronic illnesses are fairly covered under healthcare plans. I will fight for any legislation that prohibits insurance policies from neglecting these patients.
Expanding drug and alcohol abuse education in our communities and schools, as well as developing community programs, after-school activities, and sports leagues to keep our children healthy, active, and away from bad influences.
Drug abuse is a vicious cycle. I want to create real second chances for people to become productive members of society. I plan to expand drug and alcohol recovery programs and options such as recovery centers, job programs, and counseling/therapy opportunities.
Giving healthcare providers more control over their practices; the treatment of patients should be determined by the providers, not mandated by the government. I will work hard to do away with costly regulations that hinder medical practice.
Addressing depression through expanded healthcare programs and services--this is a condition that commonly goes untreated and needs more public awareness.
Giving aging patients more options to receive care in their own homes instead of a nursing home or assisted care facility. While these institutions certainly have their place and do great work, I want patients to have options and independence as they age.

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