April Aloud

Q: Do you support legislative efforts to provide more avenues for the underinsured to obtain adequate treatment?

I strongly support legislative efforts to provide greater coverage for the underinsured population. Health care should be a right; not a privilege. Patients should not have to forgo lifesaving medical care simply because they cannot afford it. We need to make health care more affordable for everyone. However, first, we must promote universal coverage for children. Recently, I voted in favor of an expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to ensure that more of our children can obtain needed medical care. I also spoke in support of a provision in CHIP providing health care for pregnant women. I believe this is a first step in providing universal health care.

Q: What is your position on our current healthcare situation?

Our current healthcare system is in crisis. In addition to the enormous problems of coverage for both the uninsured and underinsured populations, the financial drain is tremendous. Far too many Americans are burdened by the skyrocketing costs of health care. We must find ways to reduce these costs, including through negotiating prescription drug pricing and focusing on preventive health care. As a former clinical dietitian, I understand the importance both of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and of having access to regular visits to a primary care physician. Preventive care is not only the right policy from a moral perspective, it is also wise from an economic perspective because it generates cost-savings. We also need to find ways to better coordinate care, especially for those suffering from chronic diseases. Patients should be evaluated using a holistic approach, instead of receiving segmented care by different providers.

Q: It is our belief that everyone's life has been impacted in some way by Breast Cancer. In what way has this touched and changed your life?

Breast cancer touches all women's lives as it is the second most common form of cancer in women. Due to the high incidence of the disease, I believe we need to focus on prevention efforts. Women need to protect themselves against this deadly cancer by educating themselves and getting screened. I recently became an original cosponsor of the Breast Cancer Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young (EARLY) Act*. This important bill would increase education and outreach efforts to highlight breast cancer risks facing young women. Some specific actions that women can do on their own include understanding their risk factors, performing breast self-exams and undergoing mammograms if they are over 40. I regularly undergo mammograms and had a breast biopsy several years ago. Fortunately, I tested negative for cancer. However, many others are not as lucky. That is why these prevention efforts are so important. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the greater the chance of survival.

* The EARLY bill is not on the NBCC legislative agenda