Destiny Wells: Health care affordability is economic imperative in Indy

Featured Issue: “If elected, how would you approach making health care more affordable?”

Making health care more affordable starts with changing how we do business in Washington.

We can’t lower costs if elected officials are taking money from insurers and pharmaceutical companies that profit when premiums and drug prices rise.

I won’t take any corporate PAC money, including from health insurers or pharmaceutical companies.

Congressman André Carson has accepted thousands of dollars from health care industry PACs over the years. That’s how Washington often works — and one reason families and small businesses keep paying more while corporate
profits grow.

In our family, health coverage changed what was possible. Through our military service, we have TRICARE, a comprehensive, government-subsidized health care program.

That means when my husband wanted to start a technology company, we didn’t have to base that decision on whether we’d lose health insurance. He was able to hire employees and grow a business.

That kind of stability isn’t common. A lot of people want to take a chance — start a business or change careers — but health insurance makes the decision for them.

In countries like Germany and Australia, health care isn’t tied to employment, and entrepreneurs don’t have to factor insurance into every decision.

I believe we should move toward a universal baseline of coverage here — one that gives people the freedom to take risks while still allowing private options.

We’re also seeing changes in who owns health care.

Across Indiana, hospitals, physician groups and even pharmacies are becoming part of larger systems and being scooped up by investment firms.

When that happens, patients and employers often have fewer options. That’s one reason I support the bipartisan Breaking Up Big Medicine Act — to help preserve competition and give communities more say in their care.

Access to care for women has also become harder. Since the rollback of abortion access following Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, many clinics have closed or reduced services.

Making sure prenatal care, postpartum support and preventive services remain available helps families stay healthy and prevents more serious problems later.

We also need more health care workers. Many medical graduates carry significant debt, pushing them away from primary care. Supporting workforce training and loan forgiveness would help address shortages and reduce wait times.

Last, prescription drug prices are another issue that voters want to see change. I support Medicare’s ability to negotiate prices. And increased community health centers, using telehealth where it makes sense, and addressing workforce shortages can also help people get timely care.

In Indianapolis, this all comes to a head when employers sit down each year to review their health insurance plans. Premiums go up, options shrink and difficult choices follow.

Some businesses delay hiring. Others shift more of the cost to employees. Workers feel it in their paychecks and in fewer coverage options.

When health care costs are more stable, businesses can focus on growth rather than adjusting benefits. That’s why affordability isn’t just about health care—it affects the broader economy, and it’s something I would prioritize in Congress.•

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Wells is a lawyer, lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and a Democratic candidate for the 7th U.S. Congressional District. Send comments to [email protected].

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