WASHINGTON, D.C.–Mario H. Lopez, president of the Hispanic Leadership Fund, issued the following statement in response to the recent healthcare proposal released by Republican gubernatorial nominee Ed Gillespie:
“In the Commonwealth, health care premiums and costs have skyrocketed while coverage options have dwindled. Any plan that seeks to break down barriers to care and eliminate burdensome regulations is a step in the right direction for Virginia. For example, access to health care is hindered by the outdated “Certificate of Public Need” law that forces health care providers to wade through bureaucratic red tape red tape–including having plans challenged by competitors–before expanding services to communities they serve. Ed’s plan recognizes this growing problem. Repealing COPN laws in the Commonwealth will increase competition–giving patients more options when making health care decisions. “The Hispanic Leadership Fund applauds Ed for creating a patient-centered healthcare plan to lower costs by increasing competition–giving patients more options when making health care decisions and allowing working families increased access to more affordable and higher quality health care.”
