Health Care
Patrick Lynch has strong record of taking on powerful special interests to ensure that Rhode Islanders receive quality health care at an affordable price. He took on Blue Cross Blue Shield, resulting in $13.3 million in savings for ratepayers and a Premium Assistance Plan to assist their most impoverished customers.
As Attorney General, Patrick formed the Office of Health Care Advocate to protect Rhode Islanders by assisting with issues such as denials of treatment by insurers, costs of treatment, quality and access to health care, and rights under Rhode Island health care consumer laws.
Patrick created the Task Force to Improve End of Life Care, consisting of representatives from health care providers, advocates, academics, government, religious organizations, and the legal community. As a result, legislation was drafted to improve pain assessment and management, advance care planning, and hospice care.
Under his leadership, the state has recovered nearly $186 million since 2003 as a result of a settlement with the Brown and Williamson Tobacco company.
Patrick has lead in his role as “Special Master” in judging the merits of hospital mergers in Rhode Island, ensuring that the quality of health care remains high and health care jobs are protected.
In addition, Patrick played a leading role in protecting the 1200 jobs tied to Landmark Medical Center. Since June of 2008, when the Court appointed the Special Master, Patrick worked closely with all of the parties involved to protect Landmark and all of the people it serves and employs. As a result of his outreach, his office is ready to begin the serious work that must be undertaken to ensure that the proposed merger is in the best interest of all of the constituencies that would be affected.
As Governor, Patrick will work to ensure that Rhode Islanders have more health care choices. He will work to ensure that Rhode Islanders have a public option if states are given a choice to join or opt out of the program when health care reform is finally passed.
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