Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure, affect approximately 100 million Americans and account for 75% of healthcare spending. Improved access to preventive and primary care will prevent chronic illnesses and lower the burden on our system. That's why Daniel believes we need a multi-year plan to invest in new primary care facilities throughout the State, improving health and bringing down costs over time.

To cut costs without compromising care, Daniel will fight to allow the state to use its purchasing power to lower the cost of prescription of drugs and expand the use of generic options. He also believes the state must explore creating an administrative system for private and public insurers based on the "common application" model. This has the potential to lower costs across the board and bring down private insurers' administrative costs -- which today are significantly higher than public insurers' -- without compromising choice.

Healthcare is part of the solution; healthier lives are too. According to a study published by the National Governors Association, $93 billion of U.S. medical expenses are related to obesity, which translates to $210 per taxpayer in New York State. Daniel will fight to get junk food out of our public schools and replace it with fresh, nutritious options. Daniel also believes in stricter calorie-count labeling requirements for chain restaurants, so consumers have the information they need to make healthy choices.