North Dakota needs to take leadership position on healthcare issues

Letter to the editor:

I am running to represent the people of District-27 in Fargo for the North Dakota Legislature. In 2016, I ran for Insurance Commissioner, and received over 85,000 votes. Although that race was ultimately won by Jon Godfread, I want to share my thoughts about his recently issued insurance bulletin supporting treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder. He took a positive step which I applaud.

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This bulletin means children diagnosed with autism in North Dakota will now have greater access to quality treatment for their condition. I hope this ensures families will have greater access to quality treatment for autism through their existing insurance plans. It is this kind of catching-up North Dakota needs to ensure the health of every person in our state.

I believe North Dakota needs to take a leadership position on issues of healthcare. We do not need to wait for an entrenched, and road-blocked Congress, to ensure that those with, for example, pre-existing conditions are not denied the medical treatment they need.

As a legislator and health professional I will fight for a fair healthcare system that benefits and supports all North Dakotans.

[Ruth Anna Buffalo, currently running for District 27 House]