The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new level stress to our health care system and worsened existing inequities. Decades of unequal treatment have meant that lower income and communities of color have suffered disproportionately through the pandemic.

I voted for the Affordable Care Act to expand health coverage to millions of previously uninsured Americans. I successfully fought for regulations that prohibit insurers from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, and charging higher rates for women and seniors. I was proud to lead the effort to ensure that improvements and increased funding for the Indian Health Service would survive House Republican attempts to overturn the Affordable Care Act. I voted in favor of ending surprise medical bills and supported the American Rescue Plan to expand premium tax credits to make insurance more affordable. But more must be done to make a health care system that works for everyone in our country – not just the wealthy.

I am a strong proponent of improving and expanding our Medicare system. I am a cosponsor of the Medicare for All Act. Additionally, I support lowering prescription drug prices by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, just as the VA does. I will continue to fight for more funds for health research and VA so our veterans can receive the tailored care they deserve.

Our system was ill-prepared to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, we must make and sustain structural changes to address the ongoing health threat and better prepare for future ones. This includes bolstering local health authorities, addressing severe workforce shortages, improving emergency response capabilities and addressing pervasive health misinformation.

Medicare and Social Security

One in six Arizonans receive Social Security, which by law is prohibited from contributing to the deficit. Nearly one million Arizonans rely on Medicare, which provides high quality and often more economically efficient care than private insurance. I oppose Republican schemes that end the Medicare guarantee by turning it into a voucher system. I support the Progressive Caucus People’s Budget plan, which protects Medicare, strengthens Social Security and reduces the deficit.