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Senate Democrats respond to McAuliffe’s healthcare plan

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state-capitol2While welcoming Gov. McAuliffe’s announcement of a ten-point plan to expand coverage and improve healthcare for more than 200,000 Virginians, Senate Democrats today urged Republicans to build on that progress by closing the coverage gap. Closing the coverage gap remains the simplest and most effective way to help many Virginians access quality, affordable health care.

Said Sen. Barbara Favola (D – Arlington), “Gov. McAuliffe’s announcement today will enable many more Virginians to access quality, affordable health care — but as the governor said, there are no substitutes for closing the coverage gap. We’re still missing an opportunity to save lives, save money, and help keep endangered hospitals open for business. That means Republicans still need to come to the table.”

Said Caucus Chair Sen. Donald McEachin (D – Henrico), “The governor’s efforts today are an important step in the right direction — but there is work left to do. Until House Republicans are willing to act, too many hardworking Virginians will have no way to access the care they deserve. Republicans promised a plan back in January; the governor has now done much of the work. When we reconvene, Republicans need to finish the job and close the coverage gap.”

Said Democratic Leader Sen. Dick Saslaw (D – Fairfax), “Gov. McAuliffe said it best this morning: while his actions are both valuable and welcomed, we still need to ‘hammer out a Virginia solution that will close the coverage gap.’ If House Republicans come to the table, we can save hundreds of lives per year — not to mention hundreds of millions of dollars. If they refuse, many hardworking Virginia families will continue to suffer.”

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