Issue Position: Health Care

Issue Position

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that "Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane." As a member of the Health and Government Operations Committee, health care has been my primary charge in the legislature, and I believe that every Marylander deserves quality, affordable healthcare and will continue to make that my mission in Annapolis.

With the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Maryland has moved quickly to implement Federal health care reform. We have dilligently worked to establish the Health Insurance Exchange, which will now begin accepting applicants in October of 2013 and begin operations and coverage on January 1, 2014. In addition, we have begun implementing a series of laws and regulations that will help to establish health information networks between all of your medical providers to improve efficiency and reduce medical costs.

I have worked to improve patient safety and expand opportunities for medical access and practice. This includes developing safety standards for plastic surgery procedures, improving medical licensure requirements, and expanded access to medical facilities.

I continue to work to provide medical care and coverage to Marylanders with autism and other developmental disabilities, and those struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

I will continue to work hard to expand health care coverage to the uninsured, work to provide quality health care to our most vulnerable, and make sure that Maryland is ready to take full advantage of Federal health care reform.

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