What is the greatest health care challenge facing Maryland today, and how do you plan to address it?
Hospitals systems are having difficulties providing access to care in a way that constituents expect. Under Maryland's Total Cost of Care Model hospital expenditures are set at a limit per capita. As demand for services rise these limits threaten economic sustainability of rural health systems as their reimbursements do not match services they provide. In addition there are a range of non-hospital healthcare providers that participate in this limit of Medicare spending. If there is to be a continued delivery of healthcare at a level constituents expect i will assist in having non hospital providers and private insurers work cooperatively with hospitals in meeting these per capita limits. Further, the State must recognize the disparities created when the per capita limits are not equally shared by all health systems. I will will work to encourage the HSCRC to better allocate funding to ensure the viability of all health systems in Maryland.
Maryland’s hospitals operate under a unique contract with the federal government that promotes community, equity, and value. It also contributes significantly to Maryland's economy. How do you plan to support the continued success of the Maryland Model?
The Maryland Model is a capitated payment model that functions as a waiver from Federal requirements. As a result Maryland saved over $300 million to Medicare in 2019. If the Maryland Model is to be successful we must continue to deliver high quality services that deliver healthier outcomes and limit avoidable uses of the system.
Maryland is experiencing a shortage of health care practitioners, especially nurses, that we project will worsen in the years ahead. How do you plan to address the immediate crisis and what will you do to make sure we have a robust and sustainable health care workforce pipeline?
The value of qualified, passionate, and dedicated service providers in healthcare can not be understated. While health systems must remain functional under the Maryland Model it would critical that the Legislature understand and respond to the financial needs of workers. Nurses are the backbone of any healthcare setting and must be compensated accordingly. Further we must find ways to assist health systems afford increase in compensation without challenging the already tight budgeting requirements.
In addition the State would benefit in finding ways to help practitioners afford educational and credentialing requirements. This includes encouraging workers to choose healthcare over other career opportunities and choose Maryland over other States.
How would you increase availability of and access to health care for Marylanders?
All Maryland citizens deserve equal access to good and affordable health care. This starts by ensuring a competitive health insurance market where lower deductible plans are met with easy to access primary care services. Non hospital providers that work with hospital systems to provide valuable and timely services will keep costs down under the Maryland Model.
What policies will you pursue to improve health for all Marylanders? Please also consider the social determinants of health?
As a member of the House Economic matter Committee we are tasked with providing a robust employment environment that also considers the safety and wellness of our workforce. During COVID there have been major disruptions to citizens employment and the need for retraining to help them find work in the quickly changing marketplace. In addition safe housing and access to quality food options give citizens the basics to a better and healthy environment to live.
Providing citizens with community resources that promote wellness can help reduce disparities in health outcomes for all. A growing and dynamic labor market helps citizens afford quality health plans. For those below the poverty line the State must remain committed to providing quality care in a Medicare system that stays focused on key elements of care.
How do you plan to address consumers' growing exposure to health care costs, such as high deductible health plans and rising prescription drug prices in Maryland?
Maryland must find ways to improve the marketplace for these plans. Competition has been limited and as such the market driven pricing of plans is severely limited.
I have advocated for reverse auctions in the selection of Pharmacy Benefit Managers. As a rural representative I am also concerned for the small community pharmacies and their ongoing viability as market place competitors as the industry consolidates.
Maryland’s worsening medical liability climate, as noted in a recent independent report, threatens access to, and affordability of, health care services in Maryland. Plaintiffs’ attorneys typically take 40% of a medical malpractice judgment. Do you support limiting attorneys’ fees so that the affected individuals can receive more of their settlement or judgment? What additional reforms would you support that balance supporting individuals and families harmed by medical malpractice with ensuring continued access to services in a community?
I support tort reform in all industries, including healthcare. This includes limiting plaintiff attorney fees well in excess of what is reasonable and necessary. 40% of a judgement is an incentive to file frivilous suits that add significant cost to health systems and their insurance companies.
What are your priorities should you be elected, not confined to health care?
I am a business owner who serves on economic Matters Committee. On this committee I advocate for the business community on issues that affect labor and employment law as well as employee protections provided under Maryland's Department of Labor. In all policy making I work to stop bad legislation from advancing. If a Bill is moving forward I seek to make legislation workable by creating clear paths to compliance with the law.
In addition I seek to make sure decisions are made at a local level where possibly by representatives closest to the people. Too often Annapolis seeks to take away local control and in doing so undermines confidence that citizens have in their Government.
Finally, I consider the most important part of elected office is in delivering outstanding constituent service. This is done by responding to citizens complaints and questions quickly and help connect them to solutions to their problems.