A New Frontier for Healthcare in Michigan: Medicare for All
Michigan's families are often one medical bill away from financial disaster. Seniors struggle to afford life-saving medications, while parents delay vital care due to mounting deductibles. Small business owners watch as their premiums soar, threatening the sustainability of their operations and the livelihoods of their employees. This is not a sign of a healthcare system that genuinely prioritizes public access to quality care; it's a symptom of an industry driven more by profit than people.
Growing up in a family of immigrants, I've seen firsthand how fragile security can be. My parents believed that hard work would lead to stability, but the reality is often starkly different. Even families who follow every rule and take every precaution can find themselves on the brink of collapse if someone falls ill. No one should have to face bankruptcy because they need medical care.
That's why I'm running for Congress in Michigan's 11th District β to fight for a healthcare system that truly puts people first. For me, Medicare for All is not just a policy; it's a moral imperative. It's about recognizing that health care is a fundamental human right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it.
The facts are clear: Michiganders face unique challenges when it comes to healthcare affordability. A recent report from the Citizens Research Council found that we have higher rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity than much of the country. We die younger, experience more days of poor physical and mental health each month, and suffer from unaffordable healthcare costs.
The problem is not just about access to care; it's also about how our society structures our lives to promote or undermine good health. Transportation, education, income stability, housing security, and social connections all play critical roles in shaping our well-being. When we fail to address these underlying issues, families suffer, and the consequences are devastating.
One of the most striking findings from the report is the impact of income on health outcomes. Personal income is the single strongest predictor of health outcomes, with lower pay increasing the risk of food insecurity and inadequate medical care. This is particularly true for communities of color, where systemic inequalities can have a disproportionate impact on health and wellbeing.
That's why Medicare for All is not just about expanding coverage; it's about creating a system that prioritizes people over profits. It means ensuring access to quality doctors, prescriptions, mental health services, and addiction treatment without fear of surprise bills or financial ruin. It means protecting patients' rights and guaranteeing continuity of care so families can keep their doctors and get the help they need.
As a mother, daughter of immigrants, I know what it's like to face uncertainty and insecurity. But I also know that we deserve better. We deserve healthcare that is compassionate, equitable, and effective. And that's exactly what Medicare for All offers β a bold vision for a healthier Michigan, where families can thrive with dignity and security.
We need leaders who will fight for this vision, who will take on entrenched interests and push for meaningful change. That's why I'm committed to working tirelessly for lower costs, fairer rules, and a healthcare system that truly sees Americans as people, not commodities.
Michigan's families are often one medical bill away from financial disaster. Seniors struggle to afford life-saving medications, while parents delay vital care due to mounting deductibles. Small business owners watch as their premiums soar, threatening the sustainability of their operations and the livelihoods of their employees. This is not a sign of a healthcare system that genuinely prioritizes public access to quality care; it's a symptom of an industry driven more by profit than people.
Growing up in a family of immigrants, I've seen firsthand how fragile security can be. My parents believed that hard work would lead to stability, but the reality is often starkly different. Even families who follow every rule and take every precaution can find themselves on the brink of collapse if someone falls ill. No one should have to face bankruptcy because they need medical care.
That's why I'm running for Congress in Michigan's 11th District β to fight for a healthcare system that truly puts people first. For me, Medicare for All is not just a policy; it's a moral imperative. It's about recognizing that health care is a fundamental human right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it.
The facts are clear: Michiganders face unique challenges when it comes to healthcare affordability. A recent report from the Citizens Research Council found that we have higher rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity than much of the country. We die younger, experience more days of poor physical and mental health each month, and suffer from unaffordable healthcare costs.
The problem is not just about access to care; it's also about how our society structures our lives to promote or undermine good health. Transportation, education, income stability, housing security, and social connections all play critical roles in shaping our well-being. When we fail to address these underlying issues, families suffer, and the consequences are devastating.
One of the most striking findings from the report is the impact of income on health outcomes. Personal income is the single strongest predictor of health outcomes, with lower pay increasing the risk of food insecurity and inadequate medical care. This is particularly true for communities of color, where systemic inequalities can have a disproportionate impact on health and wellbeing.
That's why Medicare for All is not just about expanding coverage; it's about creating a system that prioritizes people over profits. It means ensuring access to quality doctors, prescriptions, mental health services, and addiction treatment without fear of surprise bills or financial ruin. It means protecting patients' rights and guaranteeing continuity of care so families can keep their doctors and get the help they need.
As a mother, daughter of immigrants, I know what it's like to face uncertainty and insecurity. But I also know that we deserve better. We deserve healthcare that is compassionate, equitable, and effective. And that's exactly what Medicare for All offers β a bold vision for a healthier Michigan, where families can thrive with dignity and security.
We need leaders who will fight for this vision, who will take on entrenched interests and push for meaningful change. That's why I'm committed to working tirelessly for lower costs, fairer rules, and a healthcare system that truly sees Americans as people, not commodities.