Issue Position: Health Care

Issue Position

"I support the goal of providing access to quality, affordable health care to every American. It's not just the right thing to do, it is also essential to creating jobs here in Connecticut. The number one obstacle to job creation faced by small businesses is the soaring cost of health insurance. We must continue to work to decrease the cost and expand access to health care for everyone." -Susan Bysiewicz

A Record of Accomplishment in Health Care

As the Secretary of the State, Susan successfully advocated for the SustiNet Health Care legislation that emphasizes preventative care and the management of chronic illnesses. She also championed legislation that would allow small businesses to buy into the state's health insurance pool expanding the purchasing power of the state pool, and allowing small businesses to have affordable health care options for their employees.

Susan's Priorities in Health Care

Susan believes all Americans have the right to quality, affordable health care. The health care bill was the first step toward solving our nation's health care crisis- but more needs to be done. In the United States Senate, Susan will fight to protect key elements of the Affordable Health Care Act, such as:

Reducing the Cost of Health Insurance to Small Businesses: Too often, the soaring cost of health insurance is an obstacle to job creation for small businesses. But as a result of health care reform, small businesses will receive tax credits for up to 35% of the cost of health insurance premiums for their employees. Susan will oppose Republican efforts to increase the cost of health care on small businesses.

Requiring Preventative Care: Preventative care can help families live healthier lives. In addition, preventing an illness is often far less expensive treating an illness. Susan supports the expanded access to preventative care included in the Affordable Care Act and opposes efforts to eliminate this requirement.

Prohibiting Denial of Coverage Due to Pre-Existing Conditions: For too long, families could be denied coverage when changing health care plans, often a result of changing jobs. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies can no longer deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions. Susan will fight against insurance company abuse and ensure that these laws are enforced.

Allowing Children To Receive Insurance Through Their Parents Plan Until Age of 26: Susan will fight to protect provisions in health care reform which allow children to be covered through their parents plan until the age of 26.

Closing the Donut-Hole in Prescription Drug Coverage: For too long, seniors were forced to pay thousands of dollars each year for expensive medicines not covered by Medicare. As a result of the Affordable Health Care Act, this so-called Donut-Hole was closed.

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