"Quality health care is critical to maintaining the health and well-being of our citizens. This issue is especially critical in Alaska, where health care costs can be up to 70 percent higher than in the Continental U.S. Additionally, 20 percent of Alaskans are eligible for Medicaid coverage, a figure significantly higher than the national average of 12 percent.As we move into the future, access to health care will continue to be a critical obstacle to Alaska's development.

Increased health care access, especially for rural Alaskans, is essential to the State's well being.It is also critical that appropriate federal Medicaid funding for Alaska is received. The disproportionate rates of our residents on Medicaid illustrate our need for support. We must continue to work toward a better, more efficient system of health care that Alaskans can benefit from. Alaska also bears the highest prescription drug costs in the country. The difficulties many Alaskans experience trying to fill their prescriptions needs to be addressed.

These drugs should be made easier to obtain, while also guaranteeing the safety of all Americans is upheld. From important disease research to preventive education to access to affordable health insurance, I care deeply about these issues and will continue to work toward improvements. Each of these areas is an important part of helping Alaskans to lead a healthy life."