What is the greatest health care challenge facing Maryland today, and how do you plan to address it?
High cost of insurance and prescription drugs. Being on the HGO Committee, I have supported the re-insurance bill. That bill has given MD the lowest insurance rates in the country. I have also voted for the Drug Affordability Board Act to find out where in the prescription drug chain the cost of drugs is getting escalated so high that it is unaffordable for people at the pharmacy counter.
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?
Support legislation that keeps our hospitals strong so they will continue to be a good community party when it comes to community equity, value and job generator.
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?
Work with the education system/colleges to make sure that we try to attract and produce an adequate number of nurses to sustain the workforce needs. We may also have to look at a boost in tuition assistance for nurses in our State.
How would you increase availability of and access to health care for Marylanders?
I was the sponsor of HB 970 Psychpact Telehealth Bill. I will continue to support and sponsor telehealth bills that will increase access to health care for Marylanders.
What policies will you pursue to improve health for all Marylanders? Please also consider the social determinants of health?
Affordability, easy access and encouraging better diets, especially when it comes to meals in our schools
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?
High cost of insurance and prescription drugs. Being on the HGO Committee, I have supported the re-insurance bill. That bill has given MD the lowest insurance rates in the country. I have also voted for the Drug Affordability Board Act to find out where in the prescription drug chain the cost of drugs is getting escalated so high that it is unaffordable for people at the pharmacy counter.
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 would support legislation that provides better training for our medical personnel that would reduce the amount of medical liability suites we are seeing in MD. The ultimate goal should be to reduce the amount of medical malpractice insuring greater safety for individuals, families and the community.
What are your priorities should you be elected, not confined to health care?
Education, Human Trafficking Education, workforce development and closing disparity gaps.