4th Congressional District Race: How can we control health care costs, lower drug prices?

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4th Connecticut, is campaigning for another term in Congress. He faces a challenge from former Darien first selectman, Jayme Stevenson, a Republican who is also running on the Independent Party line.

Both candidates agreed to answer several questions on the issues from The Sun, which will be run as separate articles leading to Election Day on Nov. 8.

What should the country do to control health care costs and to lower prices for prescription drugs?

Himes: One of the most common issues I hear from voters is how expensive their healthcare costs are.

Last month Congress passed legislation that will finally give Medicare the power to negotiate prescription drug prices, extend ACA-enhanced subsidies for millions of Americans, and cap insulin costs for Medicare beneficiaries at $35 per month.

These are historic institutional changes, and I am looking forward to working with state and local entities to ensure that Connecticut residents reap the benefits.

Stevenson: Allow for a more competitive healthcare and prescription drug marketplace and by expanding across-state-lines access to health insurance. Guaranteeing price and outcomes transparency would allow consumers to be more well educated when searching for the services they need at a price they can afford.

Hospital consolidations in Connecticut are raising the concern about a lack of competition leading to higher costs.

I will prioritize making sure mental healthcare services are as accessible and affordable as all other medical services.

My opponent has been in Washington for 14 years and healthcare costs have skyrocketed by 28% since last year alone. It’s time for a change.

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