Fern Leard

Healthcare is personal to me. Long before I ever ran for office, I spent more than a decade advocating for the federal Lymphedema Treatment Act. That fight taught me firsthand how difficult it can be for ordinary families to navigate a healthcare system where insurance coverage, corporate policies, and cost can stand between a patient and the treatment they need.

I learned how to work across party lines, organize patients and families, speak with lawmakers, and keep pushing when change did not happen quickly. That experience shaped how I approach public service today. I believe healthcare decisions should put patients and families first.

As a state representative, I will support stronger transparency requirements for hospital systems and insurers, greater scrutiny of healthcare consolidation, protections against unfair billing practices, stronger consumer protections, and policies that lower prescription drug costs and hold pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy benefit managers accountable. I also believe we need to examine where every healthcare dollar is going and make sure public money is actually improving care and lowering costs for patients.

This is part of the same fight I have been taking on throughout this campaign. Working families are paying more for healthcare, utilities, housing, groceries, and childcare while powerful corporations have armies of lobbyists protecting their interests in Harrisburg. I want working people to have someone fighting just as hard for them.

I spent years advocating for patients when I had no title and no political power. I will bring that same persistence to Harrisburg and use the power of public office to demand transparency, accountability, and a healthcare system that works for the people who depend on it.

Statement submitted by campaign or congressional office