Health Care
Every American has a fundamental right to access quality, affordable health services. In 2010, I voted for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act when it passed the House, and the President signed it into law (P.L. 111- 148).
This legislation is a major step in the right direction toward achieving the universal health care system we deserve. Once fully implemented, millions of uninsured or underinsured families and workers will have access to comprehensive coverage so they can receive the affordable care they need when they need it. Delivery system reforms will encourage coordinated, patient-centered care to improve quality, while reducing costs. Many of these changes build on the success that Minnesota has already achieved and have made our state a leader in delivering high-quality, low-cost care.
While maintaining the pressure to ensure that these reforms are fully implemented, we must also turn our attention to ongoing issues that affect our communities. We must do more to address growing health disparities, support medical education, or improve access to mental health services. Our work is not done.
Minnesota families cannot afford to return to a broken system or stay with the status quo. In the wealthiest country in the world, health care should not be a privilege reserved for those able to afford insurance or lucky enough to have a job that provides coverage. I am committed to fighting so that every Minnesota family has guaranteed access to affordable, quality health care.