What is the greatest health care challenge facing Maryland today, and how do you plan to address it?
One of greatest health challenges facing Maryland is the Opioid crisis. I believe we need more education in our school systems, mental health counseling and access to treatment.
The Covid crisis continues to be a major concern and we need to continue to educate our citizens and provide ready access to vaccines and treatment.
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?
Health Care has not been my forte in my business life. I am not well versed on the Maryland Model but understand its value. I will seek greater understanding to make this model successful by seeking input from all sides, both the regulators and providers.
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?
It is true that Health Care has not experienced the gap in its workforce as it has today. There are many factors, but the leading factor is the toll that Covid has taken on the workforce. We need to look at what resources might be available through the Build Back Better Act, boosting student enrollment and explore ways to assist financially. Building a strong workforce needs to be a priority.
How would you increase availability of and access to health care for Marylanders?
I think one area that needs to be explored is Medicare benefits for coverage of vision, dental and hearing. These areas are not a "cosmetic" issues, but quality of life issues and should be covered.
Marylands unique model provides incentive to Maylanders to seek care and to provide care to those who cannot afford it or who do not have insurance. This model needs to be maintained, reviewed for any improvements and expanded as necessary. The public needs to be educated and aware of the benefits.
What policies will you pursue to improve health for all Marylanders? Please also consider the social determinants of health?
I will seek information about the issues facing the Health Care industry as a whole and cooperatively develop strategies to address the population as a whole. Both physical and mental health initiatives.
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 believe that the issue of insurance co-ops should be addressed. May individuals and small employers have few options of health care plans. For example, the Chambers of Commerce should be able to offer a plan to all its members. This pool would seem to be an option to create a large base
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?
This is a difficult area to deal with. Generally I do not support imposed price controls, but there should be some management of the amounts that are received by the injured individual and attorney. This is not my field of expertise, but I will listen to arguments from both sides to establish a fair and equitable solution.
What are your priorities should you be elected, not confined to health care?
I am passionate about the environment, education of our children, helping small businesses succeed, the outdoor economy, equality for all citizens, quality of life for all.
I am wanting to hear the needs of all Marylanders and will work in a bi-partisan way to move us all forward to a better future.