Issue Position: Protecting Our Health Care

Issue Position

As a health advocate, Emily fights every day for a fair, equitable healthcare system at the federal level that benefits all patients. Like many in our community, she is appalled by what the Trump Administration and the Republican-led Congress has done to dismantle our nation's and our state's healthcare system.

If elected, Emily will fight for universal healthcare for all Marylanders, to ensure that every family can afford the healthcare that they need.

While the Affordable Care Act has undoubtedly provided an incredible benefit to many patients and families throughout the state by reducing the uninsured rate from 11.3% in 2018 to 6.1% in 2016, many families who are enrolled in plans through the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange have seen premiums skyrocket. Over 60% of the 123,000 individuals currently enrolled in a health plan through the exchange are receiving cost-sharing reduction (CSR) subsidies, which Trump and the Republican-led Congress have ended. The end of the CSR program will have a devastating impact on tens of thousands of families, many of whom may now decide to withdraw from the healthcare market altogether. This will further harm our local insurance market, causing premiums to skyrocket further out of reach for most families.

As a patient with a chronic autoimmune disorder, Emily is keenly aware of the importance of access to high-quality healthcare, and views universal healthcare as both a policy and moral imperative.

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