Oklahomans voted to expand Medicaid in direct contrast to the Legislature’s refusal to do so. Oklahomans now benefit from key provisions in the ACA that Connie has always supported, including improved access to insurance coverage and, therefore, care. Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions. Oklahomans will no longer lose coverage because of a catastrophic health event. The ACA promotes health and wellness through free preventive screenings. It supports people taking personal responsibility for what they eat and whether they exercise, a key component in improving the body’s natural immunity and ability to respond to disease. The ACA ensured that Oklahoma’s young adults can stay on their parents’ insurance plan until age 26.  This particular provision is critical, given the economic challenges today’s college grads face because of depressed wages and huge student loan debt. As the mother of college grads, Connie applauds this provision. With over 33 years of experience in health policy research, legislation and advocacy, Connie understands most young Oklahomans resent coverage mandates, believing they won’t need care. Many never will but, given our ranking as the nation’s 10th most obese state, a significant number will develop obesity-related chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease/hypertension, Type II Diabetes, cancer and arthritis. We will still need to factor in health care for these groups. She also recognizes, however, that the ACA does nothing to address rising health care costs. As Governor, she will work to ensure that all eligible Oklahomans can access Medicaid. She will continue advocating for effective cost controls that address the unique needs of young adults and other specialized groups, as well as work to reign in spiraling prescription drug and hospital costs. Oklahomans deserve nothing less than access to affordable, quality and culturally competent health care