Issue Position: Healthcare

Issue Position

During my tenure on the County Council, I have served on the Health, Education and Human Services committee, as well as the representative to the Dimensions Healthcare System. I have sponsored legislation in support of affordable prescription drugs; patient protection and the Affordable Care Act; healthy vending in public buildings; permitting the use mental health and behavior services programs in private schools. Most importantly, I was intimately involved in the transition of the Dimensions Healthcare System to the University of Maryland Medical System and the building of a new Regional Medical Center in Prince George's County - now titled University of Maryland Capital Region Health.

In these uncertain times, we must do everything we can to protect access to affordable health care and prescription coverage. For too many citizens, affordable healthcare is a challenge-- whether they are employed, unemployed or underemployed. Sometimes good healthcare is out of reach and, if a crisis occurs, the cost of service often financially breaks a home. Further, the continued increase of prescription drugs often makes it more difficult to recover simply because the cost of medication is prohibitive. I will work with my colleagues in the legislature and insurance providers to develop common sense policies.

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