Mark Begich on Health Care Democratic Challenger

Protect future Medicare with "medical home" model

A: The recent showdown between Congress and the Bush Administration over Medicare payments to doctors revealed archaic programmatic formulas and outdated approaches that don't make sense. Instead of relying on frequent band-aid bailouts, Mark will support innovative efforts to protect Medicare for future generations through such concepts as the "medical home" model, in which doctors and patients spend more time together. By paying doctors more up front per Medicare patient, the program can save money over the long term because doctors will be less likely to turn patients away (leaving the expensive emergency room as the only option) or to simply refer patients to pricey specialists.

Privatization undermines the integrity of Medicare

Increase Medicare reimbursements and affordable health care

Favors expanding Alaska's Denali KidCare program