Issue Position: Public Health

Issue Position

Massachusetts must be properly equipped to afford people the right and accessibility to quality and affordable health care. I was proud to support several pieces of legislation empowering medical professionals, disease education, and providing financial relief for medical expenses. Families should not have to experience financial strain for unavoidable medical situations.

During the budget process I cosponsored amendments protecting consumers from over-priced medications, requiring the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to recognize and pay for the full costs of Adult Day Health Services, and funding a statewide Alzheimer's education program. I sponsored legislation to safeguard Alzheimer and Autistic individuals by requiring insurers to cover tracking devices for those who tend to wander or get lost.

We have seen a growing presence of Lyme disease in our district. Lyme is a devastating illness and we must establish health care access for those who need it as well as educate our residents about preventative measures.

I secured additional funding to improve and extend respite care and support services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Respite services and group homes provide the programs that help disabled individuals connect with their communities and become productive members of society.

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