In the richest country on Earth, nobody should worry about getting the healthcare they need. We are currently facing record breaking healthcare costs which have become unmanageable. Premiums have skyrocketed, deductibles are too high, prescription drug prices are out of control, and many Minnesotans cannot afford their out of pocket costs. While Minnesota has one of the lowest rates of uninsured in the country, I believe we must strive for universal healthcare coverage. The only permanent solution to this healthcare crisis is to enact a universal, single payer healthcare system in the state of Minnesota.

ADDRESS ADDICTION

Every Minnesotan that wants treatment for addiction should receive it.
All public employees should be equipped the life saving drug Narcan/Naloxone, which reverses the effects of an heroine/opioid overdose.
It's time to end the counter-productive war on drugs and treat addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal issue.
We must offer clemency for minor drug possession charges, especially to those who are willing to seek treatment.
We will enact civil protections for recovering addicts which would protect against discrimination.
I will support harm reduction programs as recommended by the American Medical Association, including needle exchanges and safe injection sites.

SINGLE PAYER HEALTHCARE

I support single payer healthcare, including dental, vision, and long term care. John Marty has written a bill called the Minnesota Health Plan, which I would support as a senator.
Every Minnesotan will have coverage. We will eliminate out of pocket expenses such as copays or deductibles.
Healthcare premiums will be replaced by new taxes, so that the cost to each Minnesotan is based on their ability to pay. For middle class and poor Minnesotans, their overall costs will go down.
The MHP will cover "dental care, prescription drugs, optometry, mental health services, chemical dependency treatment, medical equipment and supplies would all be covered, as well as home care services, and nursing home care."
In order to achieve a truly equal society, any healthcare plan must totally cover reproductive healthcare for all genders. It must also provide transgender healthcare.