Fixing healthcare in the United States is a priority that cannot wait any longer, and I pledge not to give up this fight until every single American has quality, affordable healthcare.

More than one in ten Ohioans currently live without healthcare, and those who have coverage have seen their costs skyrocket. Over the past eight years, healthcare premiums in Ohio have increased more than 75 percent—8.5 times faster than wages. Fewer and fewer small businesses are offering health coverage for their employees, and the average Ohio family that has employer-based coverage pays nearly $13,000 in premiums every year.

Meaningful healthcare reform in this country must give American families the peace of mind that comes with quality affordable care that can’t be taken away. Americans should have the choice of the healthcare that’s right for them—including the choice to keep the healthcare they have right now.

No family should have to choose between paying medical bills or putting food on the table. We can bring down healthcare costs by placing an emphasis on wellness and prevention, rather than costly treatment. We can eliminate waste and abuse in the healthcare system by investing in healthcare information technology and streamlining Medicare and Medicaid.

But we also must ensure that every American has access to quality care. We need to take steps so that no one can be denied care because of a preexisting illness or condition, and we need to put in place safeguards to ensure that healthcare can’t be taken away when a person switches jobs.

As Congress works to enact healthcare reform this year, I will work with my colleagues to push for a solution that provides quality, affordable care and peace of mind for greater Cincinnati families.