Providing Both Health Care and Coverage
Massachusetts has become the first state in the nation to seriously reform its health care coverage and, while there are undoubtedly flaws to the current program, it will go a long way toward universal coverage. We must do everything we can to encourage this program to work while correcting its shortfalls
However, health coverage is not the same as health care. We must continue to ensure that all people in the District are receiving adequate health care and have access to high quality, preventative treatment.
As your state senator, I would:
- Build on the current health coverage reform efforts by making corporate payments more equitable and creating a sliding income scale
- Encourage cities and towns in the district to take advantage of the savings available through participation in GIC
- Look to move the State beyond the current reform to a single payer system
- Support community hospitals and ensure that they provide a range of services necessary for the District (with special emphasis on pervasive issues like diabetes)
- Encourage the expansion of stem-cell research and other life-saving technologies
- Expand funding for healthy living education in the schools and encourage the removal of unhealthy food and drink choices inside school property.