Lance Harris on Health Care

Decrease enrollment on government-funded healthcare

Require medical school for optometrist eye surgeries

Analysis by Times-Picayune: The Legislature agreed to make Louisiana the country's third state to authorize some eye doctors who did not attend medical school to perform certain surgeries. The controversial legislation authorizes optometrists to perform surgical procedures that are currently limited in this state and 47 others to the practice of ophthalmology. The bill's supporters say the move expands access to eye care, especially for residents in rural areas. Its opponents call it an effort by optometrists to sideline education and expand their practice to include surgery instead through legislation in order to charge more money.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House -32-6, Vote #775 66 on May/7/14; State Rep. Lance Harris voted NO; Passed Senate 25-12-2, Vote #1274 on May/21/14; Signed by Gov. Jindal on Jun/1/14

Strongly anti-universal coverage, according to AFA survey.

The AFA inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'It is the government's responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance'? Self-description: (American Family Association helps produce iVoterGuides): "Grounded in God; rooted in research"; they "thoroughly investigate candidates"; when they cannot "evaluate with confidence, they receive an 'Insufficient' rating" (& we exclude)

Strongly pro-private insurance, according to AFA survey.

The AFA inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'I support the elimination of private healthcare insurance'? Self-description: (American Family Association helps produce iVoterGuides): "Grounded in God; rooted in research"; they "thoroughly investigate candidates"; when they cannot "evaluate with confidence, they receive an 'Insufficient' rating" (& we exclude)

Anti-ObamaCare, according to PVS survey.

Project Vote Smart inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Health Care: Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("ObamaCare")?' PVS self-description: "The Political Courage Test provides voters with positions on key issues. Historically, candidates have failed to complete our test due to the advice they receive from their advisors and out of fear of negative attack ads."