What is the greatest health care challenge facing Maryland today, and how do you plan to address it?
I believe the greatest challenge is high health care costs and the shortage of professionals. I believe working with the large hospital companies to encourage increased care and efficiency to keep lower costs is beneficial. I have extensive experience running companies from the corporate level to small business and working to understand how not to sacrifice care to lower costs is important. I think that partnering with State Universities and Private Colleges to grow the labor force is needed right now. We must keep workers here and not traveling to other states, which in turn causes Maryland health care to raise pay.
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?
I know the Maryland Model is working to keep costs regulated and as affordable as possible for our residents. We must continue to support this model which incentivizes based upon care and keeps the three pillars as their focus.
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?
As mentioned in question 1, the immediate shortage must be addressed by partnering with State Universities and Private Colleges to grow the labor force. We can also get to students sooner in high schools, trade schools and community colleges to grow the exposure of the career field and health care opportunities.
How would you increase availability of and access to health care for Marylanders?
We should target the communities that have the least amount of options available by adding offices and facilities. As some demand in commercial real estate has changed in recent years, there may be space needing tenants which could be filled by private doctors or larger partnerships with the Maryland Health Care System.
What policies will you pursue to improve health for all Marylanders? Please also consider the social determinants of health?
The pandemic has presented many social issues for younger and older people alike. We have to get back to understanding the needs of all people and how to address their issues. This can come in the form of education, group therapy and just learning how to move forward.
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?
We must work with the large drug companies to keep health care affordable including prescription drugs. We can do so much to improve health by increasing physical activity, providing healthy eating choices, and creating more open space areas for outdoor activities.
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 plan to work to understand more about malpractice suits and how the affected individual can receive the money they are entitled to. It really is a delicate balance because these law suits do take a professional attorney who understands how to help the affected individual.
What are your priorities should you be elected, not confined to health care?
My priorities are mental health, improving community relations with police, lowering taxes and improving the lives of small business owners. There are many barriers to affordable access to health care which I plan to work hard on. The main barrier is transportation. I have extensive experience in logistics and supply chain management which will help me as a Delegate.