Issue Position: Affordable Healthcare

Issue Position

Hawaii is justifiably proud to have one of the highest rates of healthcare coverage in the nation. This is the product of our state's commitment to ensuring that coverage remains strong for those who have it, and providing more to those who need it.

Since being elected to the Congress, I have helped bring more than $196 million home to Hawaii in Health and Human Services grants, including funding for health centers, Native Hawaiian health care programs, and public health emergency preparedness.

I support the Affordable Care Act, which expands the federal commitment to making sure all Americans have healthcare coverage. Already, Americans are enjoying benefits of the Act as it has closed the gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage for those with very high drug costs, extended coverage of children on their parents' plan up to age 27, and banned the denial of health insurance on the basis of pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Further, the budget blueprint passed by the Republican Majority would have changed Medicaid into a block grant program, requiring the federal government to pay a fixed share of a state's Medicaid costs. States would be forced to contribute more of their own funds to the program, or cut back on benefits, payments and Medicaid eligibility in order to close the gap where funding falls short.

A healthy population contributes to a more productive economy. Healthy children perform better in school, and healthy seniors are able to stay in their homes and enjoy a higher quality of life. I will continue to be your advocate for high-quality, accessible, affordable healthcare, and protect it from damaging budget-cutting maneuvers.

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