Derek believes that, in the greatest country on the planet, you shouldn’t go broke if you get sick or have an injury. As our representative, Derek has fought against attacks on the Affordable Care Act and has worked to build on that law’s successes. He has sponsored legislation to protect people with pre-existing conditions, reduce the price of prescription medications, expand mental healthcare, and address the opioid crisis.
When the Trump Administration proposed reimbursement cuts that will devastate rural medical providers in our region, Derek introduced a bipartisan bill called the Protecting Local Access to Care for Everyone Act. This legislation would reverse the damage facing providers in our region.
Derek understands that Washington state’s healthcare system serves a diverse population with unique needs. That’s why he continually visits hospitals throughout the region and stays in contact with countless providers, constituents, and advocates.
And in the midst of a global pandemic, Derek knows our nation has to act swiftly and decisively to defeat the virus. That starts with making all testing and treatment free, but it doesn’t end there. Derek is fighting to make sure everyone has access to healthcare and paid sick/family leave, because no one should have to choose between their health and a paycheck.
The National Association of Community Health Centers and the Medicare Choices Organization both honored Derek for his efforts to ensure more people have access to quality, affordable health care. Derek has also been recognized by the First Focus Campaign for Children for his leadership in working on children’s healthcare and he received the Congressional Cancer Champion Advocacy Award from One Voice Against Cancer.