What is the greatest health care challenge facing Maryland today, and how do you plan to address it?
The greatest health care challenge facing Maryland is the disparity in access, treatment, and usage among people of color, economically disadvantaged, disabled, older adults, gender neutral and other distinguishing characteristics that result in variances in health outcomes such as life expectancy, quality of life, and overall health care access. I will address this by working broadly across sectors and with various groups and nonprofits to address the fundamental root causes and the social determinants that give rise to the different outcomes. Improving the spaces in which people are born, providing proper nutrition and education, and allowing them equitable opportunities to migrate through the hierarchy of needs and be able to live fulfilling lives is a very broad platform, but it is one that I will continue to pursue every day, everywhere. I will advocate for legislation, laws, and disbursements that will yield better outcomes for marginalized groups as well as accountability for officials who occupy positions central to this cause.
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 unique in its focus and scope. I will support the model success by studying the data to determine where it is effective. I will examine longitudinal feedback from customers who received services to gauge their understanding of the model, whether their conditions improved as a result of service delivery, and to determine the level of hospital assistance the customer needs to sustain and/or improve their overall health.
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?
I would immediately address the work environment of our healthcare workers. COVID highlighted many areas of need: competitive wage, guaranteed healthcare, scheduling fatigue, mental and social wellness resources, and a required two-person lift system to prevent staff injury. Second, i would work within the system to reduce behavioral and environmental conditions that create increased need for chronic healthcare. Finally, to create a pipeline for health care i would introduce health care literacy and create incentives to move into STEM health careers at early academic stages.
How would you increase availability of and access to health care for Marylanders?
Health care for all would be my approach and the inclusion of a single payer system. I would advocate for it using data that shows the cost of failing to address health care and the causal social determinants. I would continue my advocacy through the Health Care Task force and other venues to lobby, inform and work with our federal representative to review, support, and pass legislation such as the MAT Act and Medicare for All
I would also use ambassadors, who have benefited by lifestyle changes that result in healthier outcomes, to be spokespersons for this cause.
What policies will you pursue to improve health for all Marylanders? Please also consider the social determinants of health?
I would change government social service and housing policies to create expectations and contracts for recipients. I would also work with housing, the criminal justice system, the health department, public works and all sectors to generate expectations regarding clean air, water quality, lead exposure, education, sanitation, and the like that are equitable and sustainable in all communities
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?
I would address the increased costs based on a needs assessment and sliding scale model. Services should be the same quality for all but the cost to the citizen has to be based on their income and other appropriate factors.
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 capping attorney fees, as well as a judgement fund to which malpractice attorneys will have to contribute. At the same time, consideration must be given to the causes giving rise to malpractice cases. We must abate those conditions within hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities.
To ensure continued access of services in a community for persons harmed by medical malpractice requires much review. On its face, if a malpractice suit changes one's income status, then there may be some adjustment in the cost of health care. On the other hand, changes in income, with no financial literacy support, may result in financially irresponsible choices which must be avoided as well.
What are your priorities should you be elected, not confined to health care?
My priorities include mental wellness across all sectors, support for behavioral health, the creation of trauma informed and engagement program to reduce violence, equitable environmental solutions that reduce the carbon footprint and create sustainable communities, increased resources for older adults and school aged children, and a sustainable living wage for our citizens and union laborers who provide the framework for our communities to work, live, and play.