
Healthcare
Healthcare in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula is a crisis. In rural communities, access to healthcare is already limited, with long travel distances to the nearest hospital and a shortage of healthcare professionals, making it harder to get care when it’s needed most. In fact, nearly 75,000 residents in Michigan’s 1st District rely on Medicaid for their healthcare needs. Across the state, over 600,000 Michiganders rely on Medicaid, a number that continues to grow as families face economic hardships. If we don't act, many rural hospitals across the district, which are already financially strained, could close, leaving families without critical care.
As someone who’s lived the struggle, I refuse to stand by while families face the impossible choice of medical bills or food on the table. No one should have to go bankrupt simply because they fall ill or require life-saving treatments. It’s time for a healthcare system that works for everyone, regardless of their income, location, or status.
I am committed to ensuring that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and my plan includes:
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Expanding access to healthcare in rural areas: Our rural hospitals are critical to the health of communities in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. I will fight to ensure adequate funding for rural healthcare systems, making sure they stay open and accessible. This includes investing in telemedicine to improve access to care for people in remote areas.
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Protecting Medicaid and Medicare: Medicaid and Medicare are lifelines for our seniors and low-income families. In Michigan’s 1st District, nearly 75,000 residents depend on Medicaid. I will fight to protect these vital programs, ensuring they remain intact and adequately funded so every Michigander has access to affordable healthcare, no matter where they live.
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Lowering prescription drug costs: Too many families in Michigan are forced to choose between prescription medication and other essential needs. I will work to lower prescription drug prices by allowing Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies and bringing transparency to drug pricing.
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Ensuring affordable healthcare for all: I will advocate for a healthcare system that provides comprehensive coverage for every American, including access to mental health care, which remains a significant issue in rural communities. We must ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live, can get the care they need without the risk of financial ruin.
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Supporting preventive care: Prevention is key to improving health outcomes and reducing overall healthcare costs. I will work to increase access to preventive care, including routine screenings, vaccines, and wellness programs that will help reduce chronic conditions and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations.
Healthcare in Michigan’s 1st District shouldn’t depend on your zip code. It shouldn’t depend on the size of your paycheck or whether or not you can afford to drive hundreds of miles to get care. I am committed to building a healthcare system that works for all of us, from the lakeshore to the forests, ensuring that everyone in Northern Michigan can access the care they need without breaking the bank.