District Candidates On The Issues: Health Care

Editor's Note: Included in this article is the last of a series of videos by Lauren Jost, of the candidates answering questions on private/public sector jobs and the federal government, offshore drilling, in-sourcing and health care. Today's videos feature the candidate's views on health care.

The following views are taken directly from the candidates' websites.

Connolly:

Gerry Connolly voted for health insurance reform because he believes the current system is too expensive and gives too much power to the insurance companies.  Northern Virginia families and small businesses will see lower costs, better quality of care, and meaningful insurance reforms from this legislation. 

Under this reform, it will be illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions or rescind coverage when people get sick. The dependent eligibility age will rise from 22 to 26, allowing thousands of Northern Virginia families to keep young adults on their parents' policy. Co-payments and deductibles for preventive care will be eliminated under private plans and Medicare, saving families and seniors hundreds of dollars a year. Additionally, the Medicare Prescription Drug donut hole will be closed over time, saving seniors thousands. In addition, starting next year, seniors will receive a 50% discount on all brand name drugs.

Thousands of small businesses in our community are already receiving tax credits to make providing health coverage more affordable and helping them compete with foreign companies. Health insurance reform is good for families, seniors, and small businesses, and will reduce the federal deficit by $138 billion over ten years and $1.3 trillion over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Fimian:

Our healthcare system is the best in the world because it fosters innovation and excellence, and consumers have real choices regarding their medical care. Most Americans like the coverage they have. I oppose the Pelosi-Connolly government run healthcare system.