Issue Position: Health Care

Issue Position

It is our responsibility to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable, quality health care. I am committed to strengthening our nation's health care system by incentivizing high-quality patient care, reducing costs for small business, and expanding access for our most vulnerable populations. I am alarmed by the rising cost of health care for Washington's families, and I believe we need to stop this trend by supporting preventive health services, promoting efficiencies in health care delivery, and keeping private insurance companies from using consumer premiums to turn a profit.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), other government agencies, and exceptional research institutions in Washington make valuable contributions to the health of our country. Continued investment in their research is essential.

Washington state is moving quickly to implement the Affordable Care Act, including the creation of an insurance exchange. As a result of this new law, a number of substantial health care reforms have been implemented that protect consumers, improve care, and reduce costs. I am pleased that insurance companies are now prohibited from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, and that young adults can now stay on their parents' health plans until they turn 26 years old. However, there is still work to be done and I will continue to be a strong advocate for increasing access to health care as we work to build on the previous reforms.

I also firmly believe that medical decisions should be made between a patient and his or her doctor--not by politicians. Continuing attacks on women's health care are unacceptable, and I will be an ongoing proponent for access to contraceptives and reproductive health services.

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