Survey of Gubernatorial campaign websites, 2001-2009: on Health Care
Creigh Deeds:
Make health care accessible & affordable for all Virginians
Creigh has fought to make health care accessible and affordable for all Virginians by crafting innovative legislation to ensure every Virginian has the right to choose which doctor they visit and the ability to purchase prescription dugs at a reasonable
price. Creigh has spent nearly two decades in the legislature leading the way in protecting Virginia homeowners and fighting for better and safer health care.
Source: 2009 Gubernatorial campaign website www.deedsforvirginia.com
Jul 21, 2009
Bev Perdue:
Led efforts to expand children’s health coverage
Bev Perdue’s major accomplishments include Making Health Care More Affordable and Accessible:- Helped create a prescription drug benefit for low-income seniors that NC AARP called the best in the nation
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Led efforts to expand health coverage to thousands more North Carolina children
- Oversaw initiatives that reduced the number of kids smoking by 27,000
- Led the state’s efforts to help kids eat healthier and be more physically active.
Source: 2008 Gubernatorial website, bevperdue.com, “Accomplishments”
Nov 4, 2008
Jack Markell:
Ensure that every Delawarean owns health insurance
My comprehensive health care plan will provide health insurance to over 100,000 uninsured Delawareans, including 20,000 children, so no individual or family will be forced to forgo medical care due to an illness, job loss, or simply because their
employer does not provide coverage. When elected Governor, my health care plan will ensure that every Delawarean owns health insurance and has access to primary care facilities, thus improving the health of
Delawareans while cutting costs on future emergency room visits and treatment for preventable illnesses. [I propose] the
Diamond State Marketplace to serve as a one-stop shop for uninsured individuals, families, small businesses and sole proprietors to purchase comprehensive, affordable and portable pre-tax rate health insurance.
Source: 2008 Gubernatorial campaign website, markell.org, “Issues”
Nov 4, 2008
Jay Nixon:
Every Missourian should have access to quality health care
Jay Nixon believes that every Missourian should have access to quality health care. Unfortunately, because of Governor Matt Blunt’s massive health care cuts in 2005, nearly 700,000 Missourians, including
121,000 children, do not have health insurance. As Governor, Jay will make it a priority to fix our broken health care system so Missourians can live longer, healthier lives and so that our state can lead the nation in medical research.
Source: 2008 Gubernatorial campaign website, nixonforgovernor.com
Nov 4, 2008
Bill Ritter:
Basic health care accessible to all Coloradans
As Governor, I will lead an effort to bring all parties together to develop the Colorado Health Plan. The Plan will improve health care access, quality and affordability and promote healthy lifestyle choices. The process will be guided by
eight fundamental principles:- Basic health care should be available and accessible to all Coloradans.
- Health care for the 180,000 uninsured children should be an immediate priority.
- Health care should be affordable and financed in a
cost-effective manner.
- Quality health care should be available and accessible regardless of geography.
- Health care reform must be developed collaboratively.
- Medicaid must become more efficient and effective.
- We should foster competition
as a means to drive quality up and costs down.
- We all must take personal responsibility for our own health.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, ritterforgovernor.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Brad Henry:
Make quality health care more accessible and affordable
Making high-quality health care more accessible & affordable:- Gov. Henry has spearheaded efforts to raise the tobacco tax and change the health attitudes of Oklahomans.
- Henry’s Strong and Health Oklahoma initiative is encouraging citizens to
lead healthier lives by promoting better eating and physical fitness habits.
- Henry also helped enact a new ban on smoking in public places.
- Henry continues to push reimportation of US-manufactured medicines from Canada to help cut costs.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, henryforgovernor.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Donald Carcieri:
Use untapped tobacco monies; help Medicare beneficiaries
When the federal government experienced difficulties implementing the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program for seniors, state officials stepped in to ensure that all eligible Rhode Island beneficiaries received the medications they need
and deserve. [Also], the Governor has proposed the creation of a new insurance product for individuals and small businesses called “Select Care,” which would be less expensive than anything currently available, using untapped tobacco settlement monies
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, carcieriforgovernor.com
Nov 7, 2006
Ed Rendell:
Cover 315,000 senior prescriptions via PACE program
In his first year in office, Governor Rendell crafted a plan to increase the number of older Pennsylvanians to get the affordable prescription drugs they need through Pennsylvania’s PACE and PACENET programs.
By this summer, more than 315,000 Pennsylvania seniors will be served--up 44 percent.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, rendellforgovernor.com
Nov 7, 2006
Eliot Spitzer:
Focus on affordability in NY health care system
New York State’s health care system faces an affordability crisis. Over the past 10 years, the cost of an insurance policy for a family of four has doubled, and the total cost of our state’s Medicaid program has nearly doubled.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, spitzerpaterson.com
Nov 7, 2006
Jennifer Granholm:
Affordable health care universally accessible to everyone
Making Health Care Accessible and Affordable: In the last three years, more than 298,000 Michigan citizens have gained access to health care and prescription drug benefits thanks to Governor Granholm’s initiatives. Now, through her Michigan First Health
Care Plan, the Governor is making affordable health care universally accessible to everyone in Michigan.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, granholmforgov.com
Nov 7, 2006
Jerry Brady:
Health care is national problem & needs national solution
In visiting countless health care providers around Idaho during my campaign, I have been constantly learning how our state can foster a better healthcare system. There are five principles that form the core of my approach to our healthcare system:- Adults need access to a primary care provider. If they have one, visits to emergency rooms
and expensive operations later will decrease, along with state costs.
- The state needs to protect the viability of its hospitals. Non-profit and rural hospitals in particular constitute one of the cores of rural economic development.
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The state has an interest in insuring not only an adequately supply of doctors but also of nurses, paramedics and other health professionals.
- Health care is a national problem and needs a national solution.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, bradyforidaho.org
Nov 7, 2006
John Lynch:
Expand children’s health insurance program
John Lynch fought to expand the state’s children’s health insurance program, to make it possible for more parents to afford health care for their children.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website johnlynch06.com “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Kathleen Sebelius:
I-Save-Rx: low-cost prescriptions from Canada and Europe
At Governor Sebelius’ urging, Kansas now participates in the I-Save-Rx initiative, which opens the door for Kansans to buy safe, lower cost prescription drugs from state-approved pharmacies in Canada and Europe.
Sebelius will continue to support efforts to make health care more affordable and available to all Kansans. She will again ask the Legislature to allow Kansas businesses to band together so they can better bargain for lower insurance costs.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign site www.ksgovernor.com “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Kathleen Sebelius:
Insure all Kansas children from birth to age five
This past year Sebelius urged the Legislature to insure all Kansas children from birth to age five. Unfortunately, the Legislature chose politics over people and rejected this practical approach to moving Kansas forward.
But Governor Sebelius will not give up. If re-elected she will bring that plan back to the Legislature and try again.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign site www.ksgovernor.com “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Martin O`Malley:
Health care should be a right--not a privilege
Martin O’Malley believes access to health care should be a right--not a privilege. O’Malley and Brown share the goal of affordable health care for all Maryland families and understand that without federal leadership we cannot achieve these goals.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, martinomalley.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Mike Beebe:
12-point plan for Affordability, Accessibility, Quality
THE BEEBE PLAN: HEALTH CARE
Affordability, Accessibility, Quality [Affordability] - Expand affordable health insurance options for small businesses
- Use reinsurance program to stabilize costs
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Make insurance more affordable using federal tax credits
- Promote the expansion of coverage for the uninsured by building on Medicaid
- Institute a health literacy campaign utilizing preventative care
[Accessibility] -
Expand school health clinics
- Create incentives for primary care professionals to provide service in rural areas
- Attack the nursing shortage in Arkansas
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Promote telemedicine to improve access
[Quality] - Improve program integrity to ensure money is spent wisely
- Utilize home and community-based care for seniors as an option to nursing homes
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, www.mikebeebe.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Phil Bredesen:
Cover Tennessee: provide affordable, portable insurance
- Providing affordable, portable health insurance to working Tennesseans: In 2006, I announced a new initiative known as Cover Tennessee. At its heart is a partnership between the state and small business to help adults buy affordable
insurance that follows them, no matter where they work, and that doesn’t require high deductibles on the front end.
- Insuring children and the uninsurable.
- Improving the health of all Tennesseans, especially young adults.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, bredesen.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Sarah Palin:
Flexibility in government regulations to allow competition
I look forward to working with affected parties to find the necessary solutions that will lead to more affordable health care for Alaskans. I support flexibility in government regulations that allow competition in health care that is needed,
and is proven to be good for the consumer, which will drive down health care costs and reduce the need for government subsidies. I also support patients in their rightful demands to have access to full medical billing information.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, palinforgovernor.com, “Issues”
Nov 7, 2006
Jodi Rell:
$1M for outreach to make sure every child is covered
Improving access to health care - for all. Governor Rell has rolled back premiums, enhanced benefits and increased enrollment for children and eligible adults in the HUSKY program. At the same time the state has invested heavily in its community health
centers and in improving access in such critical areas as oral health and cancer and other preventative disease screening. And the Governor has committed $1 million in new funding to boost outreach to make sure that every eligible child is covered.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website jodirell06.com, “Issues”
Sep 18, 2006
Dave Freudenthal:
Prevention emphasis could help curb health costs
The governor said an emphasis on prevention could begin to bridge the gap between skyrocketing health costs and public revenues, which are growing much more slowly. Freudenthal pointed to the states newly introduced wellness initiative,
which expands Wyomings investment in its employees health in an effort to reduce unnecessary use of medical services, absenteeism, on-the-job injuries and workers compensation costs.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, GovDave.com “Issues”
Aug 18, 2006
Chris Gabrieli:
New healthcare legislation is a good first step
Q: What is your position on the new health care law?A: It’s a good first step. It helps increase access to health care for Massachusetts residents, and the next Governor is going to play a major role in figuring out the details to make it work. Now we
need to turn our attention to the out-of-control cost of health care. As governor, I’ll work to bring down the cost of health care for Massachusetts families, starting with making sure that big companies are paying their fair share.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, gabrieli.org, “FAQs”
Jun 3, 2006
Grace Ross:
Create universal health care
Our Issues- Abolish poverty:
- Create universal health care
- Create real affordable housing
Source: 2006 gubernatorial campaign website, www.graceandwendy.org
Jun 3, 2006
Kerry Healey:
Reform medical malpractice to cut insurance rates
By filing Medical Malpractice Reform Legislation, Lt. Governor Healey is taking action to cut skyrocketing medical insurance rates that are hurting consumers and putting some specialists out of business.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial website, healeycommittee.com, “Issues”
May 23, 2006
Tom Reilly:
Worked to protect coverage during HMO bankruptcy
When Harvard Pilgrim was on the brink of financial ruin, Tom stepped in and took prompt action to protect coverage for the plan’s one million members and make sure doctors and health care providers were paid.
Today, Harvard Pilgrim has returned to financial health and is consistently rated among the top health plans nationally.
Source: 2006 Gubernatorial campaign website, www.tomreilly.org
Jan 8, 2006
Tim Kaine:
One out of 7 Virginians lack health insurance
In Virginia, one out of every seven people lacks health insurance. You probably talked to an uninsured person today.
It may have been the person who handed you your clothes at the dry cleaners, or the server who brought you lunch, or the technician who changed the oil in your car.
Source: 2005 Gubernatorial campaign website kaine2005.org, “Issues”
Nov 8, 2005
Doug Racine:
Expand coverage through flexible Medicare/Medicaid funding
The federal government has been unwilling to take leadership in providing universal health care. Doug Racine will work actively with our congressional delegation to gain support for a “Vermont Health Care Initiative”
that will allow Vermont flexibility in Medicare and Medicaid funding and provide waivers from the provisions of ERISA that would allow Vermont to develop a system of universal health care for all Vermonters.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website,DougRacine.com, “Issues”
Oct 18, 2002
Eli Bebout:
Seek WY’s fair share of federal Medicare funds
WY and other rural states do not get their fair share of Medicare. The Governor must work with our Congressional delegation to get WY’s fair share of these federal dollars. Medicare payments to WY hospitals are 15% lower than actual costs. WY received
$3,838 per beneficiary per year on average, and we rank 45th in the nation, while other states receive as much as $7,000 per beneficiary. I will work to ensure that reimbursements are equalized and costs are contained, not shifted.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, bebout4governor.com
Oct 18, 2002
Jim Douglas:
Lower Rx drug costs with buying consortium
The cost of prescription drugs is hitting every Vermonter, especially those on fixed incomes. I support the efforts to join a buying consortium with other New England states.
Also, we must negotiate lower prescription drug costs through preferred drug lists, and urge Vermont’s Congressional delegation to support an affordable prescription drug benefit for the poor and elderly.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website JimDouglas.org, “Issues”
Oct 18, 2002
Phil Bredesen:
Reform TennCare with more regulation of MCOs
Bredesen believes TennCare is a fundamentally sound program that is off track. He has identified three areas where reform will make a dramatic impact: - Tighten Up Eligibility - improve the verification process & deter fraud;
-
Reform Benefits Package - tailor benefits based on funding levels;
- Toughen Regulation - bring in experienced regulators who know how to make sure managed care organizations (MCOs) are doing things right.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial site, Bredesen.com, “Issues: TennCare”
Oct 17, 2002
Mike Fisher:
Expand Rx drug plan coverage with slots at racetracks
Fisher calls for the expansion of PACE and PACENET through the creation of a new PACENET Plus program that will: - Increase income eligibility limits by $4,000 ($20,999) for an individual and $5,000 ($25,199) for a couple;
-
establish $50 annual enrollment fee;
- index deductibles to income ranging from $450 to $650;
- create a tiered co-pay system of $8 for generic drugs, $15 for preferred brand name drugs and $25 for non-preferred brands.
This program will cost PA about $36 million in fiscal year 2003-2004. The Fisher Plan calls for an increase in funding from two sources: slots at the racetracks and a federal waiver for certain Medicaid eligibility requirements.
This would allow federal Medicaid money to be used by the states to extend prescription drug benefits to seniors not currently covered by a state program.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial site, MikeFisher.com, “Prescription”
Oct 16, 2002
Peter Cianchette:
More info & customized insurance plans to reduce cost
Maine’s health insurance system is broken, and reforms can’t wait. Pricing and quality information for health care is almost impossible to find. I’ll require health care data be made available in an easy to understand format. Insurance prices must be
more flexible. Remove artificial limits on where patients can go for the best, most affordable services. Insurance policy mandates will be reviewed, so that you can tailor the kind of health insurance you want, and thereby lower the price of a policy.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial site, CianchetteForGovernor.com “Issues”
Oct 14, 2002
Peter Cianchette:
Single-payer health care is a cruel hoax
Single-payer health care is a cruel hoax, offering the promise of no-cost health care for everyone that will never be met. Worse still, a single-payer system will result in historic tax increases, and I believe will actually lower the quality of care.
The proponents of single-payer health care even admit that health services will be rationed! In short, bureaucrats will tell your doctor what treatment you may be offered. That’s not the kind of quality health care system that Mainers deserve.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial site, CianchetteForGovernor.com “Issues”
Oct 14, 2002
Roger Moe:
Lower Rx costs via expanded MN programs
Moe supports the Fair Drug Pricing Act, which will allow uninsured Minnesotans access to discounted prescription drugs. He will work with the Attorney General to make sure the Minnesota Medical Assistance program receives adequate
rebates from drug companies. A Moe Administration will support expansion of the Minnesota Prescription Drug program to increase access for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, MoeForMN.com, “Issues”
Oct 9, 2002
Tim Pawlenty:
Expand coverage: purchasing pools &Medical Savings Accounts
Pawlenty has supported programs to subsidize health insurance for the working poor. To increase competition & hold down costs of health care, Pawlenty supports the following:
laws encouraging small businesses and individuals to form purchasing pools; Medical Savings Accounts, which helps individuals use pre-tax income to pay for their preventive health care needs; and, reduction of state regulation on health plan companies.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial website TimPawlenty.com, “On the Issues”
Oct 9, 2002
Bill Curry:
Expand health coverage; reduce costs by cooperative purchase
Connecticut spends about $4 billion a year on health care. If we don’t get costs under control, we won’t be able to extend health care to those who currently don’t have any. Because the State provides health coverage for all its employees-
about 50,000 people-the state has leverage with the insurance companies. We should form a prescription drug purchasing cooperative, as has been done in other states. Again, it’s about using leverage to increase purchasing power.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website CurryForCT.com, “Issues”
Oct 7, 2002
Jimmie Lou Fisher:
Lower Rx drug costs: 40% AR discount
I will enact the Arkansas Prescription Drug Assistance Program which will give discounts to all Medicare beneficiaries in Arkansas without prescription drug coverage-discounts as high as 40% off retail prices.
The program will make its best efforts to negotiate a rebate equivalent to the Medicaid drug discount. If drug companies do not comply, they will be hit with a tough range of punitive measures.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial campaign website, JimmieLouFisher.com
Oct 7, 2002
Brad Henry:
Patients before profits : hold HMOs accountable
As state senator, Henry put patients before insurance company profits by allowing patients to hold HMO?s accountable for refusal of needed medical treatment ordered by a treating physician.
Source: 2002 Gubernatorial website, BradHenry4governor.com, "Issues"
Sep 17, 2002
Page last updated: Dec 02, 2018