The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Democrats start delivering on pledges
SEATTLE >> Riding the momentum from November’s elections, Democratic leaders in the states are wasting no time delivering on their biggest campaign promise: To expand access to health care and make it more affordable.
The first full week of state legislative sessions and swearings-in for governors saw a f lurry of proposals.
In his initial actions, newly elected California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced plans to expand Medicaid to those in the country illegally up to age 26, implement a mandate that everyone buy insurance or face a fine, and consolidate the state’s prescription drug purchases in the hope that it will dramatically lower costs.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee proposed a public health insurance option for people who are not covered by Medicaid or private employers and have trouble affording policies on the private market.