Health care is too expensive.

Ohio families shouldn’t have to wonder if they’re not going to be able to pay the bills because a family member falls ill, needs surgery, or can’t afford their prescriptions.

And tragically, a state known for world-class health care institutions is lagging behind the country in most health outcomes. Our life expectancy is 42nd in the nation – worse than any other state in the Midwest. In some communities, life expectancy is lower than it is in some of the world’s poorest nations and we are one of the leading states in infant mortality rates. This is all unacceptable.

As Governor, I will fight to make quality health care in Ohio more affordable and accessible. We must ensure that every Ohioan has access to basic medical care that doesn’t require them to drive hours away to get it. We have to reduce the cost of health care by adopting best practices and using the power of the state to ensure that Ohio families don’t go bankrupt getting the medical care they need.

Finally, with more than three million Ohioans on Medicaid, I will fight against cuts to this life-saving program, whether they’re coming from Columbus or Congress.