Solving the health-care crisis in this country requires two things. First, there needs to be an increased focus on preventive health care to keep people healthy. Second, when people do get sick, we need a health-care system that will take care of them. That is why everyone must have access to quality, affordable health care.

In Congress, I would work to create a new Medicare-like government health care plan that is accessible and affordable to all, while respecting personal control over health decisions by allowing individuals to participate in the plan or to continue their private health insurance. The cost of premiums would be based on one’s ability to pay.

In addition, I would expand funding and coverage of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), and require that all children receive some form of health coverage. Getting kids the care they need early in life increases their chances of being healthy later, and will reduce our nation’s overall health care expenditures.

Along with increased coverage, our national health care system must place a higher emphasis on wellness and preventive care.

One in three Americans suffer from a chronic condition, such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease – nearly all cases of which can be delayed in onset or prevented entirely with proper screening and management. Yet only four percent of all medical expenditures go towards prevention, and many private insurance carriers do not cover preventive services.

A new federal health care policy must include incentives for patients and doctors to engage in preventive health and wellness, and encourage more Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Finally, I’ve made the following pledge – when elected to Congress:

I will refuse to take the taxpayer-funded, congressional health insurance Members of Congress receive – until Congress passes health care reform that gives every American the access to affordable, quality health insurance.