2012 Maryland Senate Debates: on Health Care

Benjamin Cardin: Invest in prevention and early detection

Cardin selected, "Part of the solution."

Cardin adds, "America spends more on health care per capita than any other nation in the world, yet our health status and longevity do not reflect that. To reduce inpatient hospitalizations and the costs associated with chronic diseases, we must continue to invest in prevention and early detection. My 1997 legislation established the first-ever comprehensive package of preventive services in traditional Medicare--covering breast, prostate, colorectal, and cervical cancer screenings, bone mass measurement for osteoporosis, and diabetes testing supplies. My subsequent legislation eliminated costsharing for preventive services in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Additionally, I am proud that the Affordable Care Act established the Prevention Fund, investing monies in communities across the prevention efforts such as childhood obesity prevention, HIV testing, and tobacco cessation."

Benjamin Cardin: We need to move forward, not repeal ObamaCare

Cardin, a strong supporter of the law, noted the consequences of repeal, including the loss of a popular provision that allows parents to keep their children on their policies until the age of 26. He also said restrictions on pre-existing conditions would return. "We need to move forward, not repeal ObamaCare," Cardin said.

Sobhani said he supported some aspects of the health care law, including the end of restrictions on pre-existing conditions. However, he believes more effort should be made to include input from patients and doctors.

Dan Bongino: ObamaCare places too much power in the hands of bureaucrats

Cardin, a strong supporter of the law, noted the consequences of repeal, including the loss of a popular provision that allows parents to keep their children on their policies until the age of 26. He also said restrictions on pre-existing conditions would return. "We need to move forward, not repeal ObamaCare," Cardin said.

Sobhani said he supported some aspects of the health care law, including the end of restrictions on pre-existing conditions. However, he believes more effort should be made to include input from patients and doctors.

Rob Sobhani: Build on ObamaCare so it's not all government controlled

Sobhani said he supported some aspects of the health care law, including the end of restrictions on pre-existing conditions. However, he believes more effort should be made to include input from patients and doctors. "Because at the end of the day, it's between a doctor and a patient, and we've got to build out from that relationship a health care system that, as I said, supports some of what President Obama is trying to do but also trying to make sure that it's not all government controlled," Sobhani said.

Dan Bongino: Health research is the solution, but not by gov't

Bongino selected, "Part of the solution."

Bongino added, "Investing in research and development that will prevent and cure disease is integral to the long term sustainability of health care in the United States. Sponsoring public and private research will avert massive costs and suffering. Limiting wasteful bureaucracy in the public sector while simultaneously incentivizing research in the private sector will produce progress and tangible results."