We have a big health care crisis in Ohio and in the U.S. Costs are skyrocketing, 46 million people are uninsured (1.2 million in Ohio), and we aren’t as healthy as nations that spend a lot less. The facts are astounding:

80% of the uninsured are in working families but don’t receive work-based coverage

$847 of the average yearly Ohio family health insurance premium goes toward paying the cost of caring for the uninsured

The US is spending way more than any other country on health care, yet we rank 37th in the world on health care performance

$1500 of very General Motors car manufactured in the U.S. pays for employee and retiree health benefits; GM now makes more cars in Canada and Mexico.

Ohioans know that investing in affordable health care – especially preventive care - is an investment in a stronger economy, a stronger workforce, a stronger America. But, instead of expanding coverage, Congress gave us the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, which is horribly complicated, full of coverage gaps, and hugely expensive to taxpayers, while providing a windfall for the prescription and insurance industries. 

It’s time for Congress to make a fundamental shift in priorities. We need candidates who promise to protect and expand Medicaid for more low-income working families; fix Medicare Part D; and provide states with financial incentives to expand access, improve quality, and lower health care costs. Every other country guarantees health care to all; why can’t we?