CD18 WPTV Debate Recap: Mast vs. Baer

Monday night’s debate on WPTV between Republican Congressman Brian Mast and Democratic challenger Lauren Baer was policy focused and an even match up. Moderated by WPTV’s Michael Williams, the debate provided viewers a glimpse into what constituents of the 18th Congressional district could expect from either candidates should they win on Election Day.

Baer who served in the Obama administration doubled down on her health care plan, but skirted questions about the shortcomings of certain foreign policy (i.e. the Red Line in Syria) decisions made during her time advising the State Department.

While both local and national issues were fair game in Monday’s debate, the most interesting part came during talks about health care. Mast’s position on health care is to return to a time when health care was affordable for every American. However, Baer supports an option for Medicare solution which would make Medicare operate as another “insurance” company for the public. This would accomplish two things: one, the government is already the single largest “company” and would be able to negotiate even better health care and prescription rates from providers. Due to their size they would have some serious bargaining power. Second, people who are not currently on Medicare and do not have that option are paying for health care from insurers that have less bargaining power and their incentive is to provide the best returns possible to shareholders. Allowing Medicare to be purchased by anyone would bring strong competition to other providers, forcing companies such as Cigna, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield to become more competitive, especially if they wanted people to choose their plans over a Medicare plan. This policy solution would bring more competition into the market, which would provide massive cost savings.

The reason this is interesting is because effectively both Mast and Baer want to lower the cost of health care, but how they get to that result is vastly different. To cut costs Mast wants insurance companies to offer different coverage and pricing options in order to provide lower cost alternatives for the consumer. The issue with this solution is in order to obtain affordable coverage the consumer may have to sacrifice a comprehensive coverage plan for what they can afford, leaving them exposed financially in the event of a medical emergency not covered by insurance.

Baer’s solution is different. She believes there should be a minimum level of coverage that every insurance company provides which would financially protect the insured in the event of any medical emergency. Baer’s solution, unlike Mast’s, is to bring more competition, driving down the overall cost of insurance. Her solution is viable.

Based on a recent study, a Medicare for all solution, which is one step further than Baer is proposing, would cost an additional $32.6 Trillion over the next ten years, which is ~$2 Trillion less than the current projected costs without a Medicare for all solution.

Mast and Baer have the same end goal, and while Mast worked to tie Baer to Bernie Sanders’ health care plan, the reality is, for taxpayers Baer’s solution is the most cost effective over the long term. In addition, Baer’s plan provides comprehensive coverage whereas Mast’s leaves people exposed.

Outside of health care, Mast and Baer squared off on gun control and the handling of Kavanaugh’s confirmation proceedings. Both candidates danced around the #MeToo movement but both agreed on the need for complete and full investigations.

The difference in policy stance between each candidate is minimal – for the most part they have common ground in their genuine desire to help and serve residents of CD 18. Outside of policy, Mast doubled down on the president’s accomplishments both domestically and abroad.

For a district with a history of changing representatives it should be noted that Mast has served his constituents and delivered on his 2016 campaign promises. From making water his number one issue in office to stepping outside party lines and calling for a ban on assault weapons in the wake of the Parkland shooting, Mast has worked tirelessly to represent the residents of CD 18 and it shows. Baer countered these accomplishments by crying foul on Mast’s ability to introduce any meaningful legislation until well into Mast’s first term, specifically highlighting the time it took to pass water legislation.

There is no question all eyes are on Florida’s 18th Congressional district since it has the potential to be part of the so-called Democratic blue wave in the House. Monday night’s debate offered voters a chance to tune in and learn more about both candidates as well as their post-election Representative goals.

With less than three weeks before voters head to the polls, and Baer trailing by three points in recent polls, both candidates must keep working. This race will be decided on November 6th.