John McHugh

Health Care

In my travels through the 23rd Congressional District, I find the biggest fears associated with health care include both the immediacy and the future –  spiraling health care costs for both individuals and businesses, concerns about loss of coverage in the event of a job change or a job loss, and the shortage of accessible, affordable, and quality health care. I believe we need innovative and diverse reform in our nation's health care system so we can address the needs of the uninsured and underinsured of all ages and demographics, while at the same time restraining costs and red tape.

These are issues I believe we must focus upon, particularly with respect to how any health care reform package will work in rural areas such as ours. I am also concerned about how we will pay for these reforms and about cost control recommendations that could lead to the rationing of health care and limitations in the choice of one's health care providers. I am truly concerned about overtaxing businesses, especially small businesses, because I believe it will simply lead to more job losses.

To move us in the right direction, I am working to enact several legislative initiatives that create tax deductions and credits to individuals, small businesses, and the self-employed to help Americans better afford their health care premiums, including long-term care. I have a long and consistent voting record favoring the creation and inclusion of a prescription drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries and to allow American distributors and pharmacists to re-import prescription drugs into the U.S. as long as they meet strict safety standards lower prescription drug prices. Lastly, in order for Americans to have access to health care services, I have demonstrated my strong commitment to preserving the future of hospitals and health care providers in rural areas through funding, physician and hospital payment adjustments, Medicare reforms, and the creation and implementation of incentives to address the shortage of medical personnel.

As the process continues, I am committed to do all I can to ensure that Congress addresses the health care crisis in an equitable manner and that adequate and affordable health care is provided for all Americans.