Senator Tim Kaine pushes for Affordable Care Act

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (ABC7) — Off the campaign trail now, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine is spending time at Neighborhood Health in Alexandria, learning about the clinic that treats those with limited access to healthcare.

“No one can figure it out on their own,” Kaine told the Executive Director of Neighborhood Health, Dr. Basim Khan.

Kaine listened to stories from patients and employees.

“It’s a pleasure helping them. They’re very happy that they have access to healthcare,” one employee told Kaine.

The access is what allows Syed Iqbal to show up for the first time. He works part-time and has no health insurance.

“Sometimes I make some money then go to the doctor’s,” said Iqbal.

Kaine is pushing to keep the Affordable Care Act, what’s also known as Obamacare, available for about 20 million people who have the coverage.

“I am concerned,” he said.

President-elect Donald Trump has said he will work with Republicans in Congress to amend the program or replace it.

Kaine admits Obamacare needs some work.

“Prices of prescription drugs, I think there’s work to do on that. Some of the premium increase, I think there’s work to do on that,” said Kaine.

About 60 percent of the patients treated at Neighborhood Health are uninsured.

Dr. Basim Khan says without the Affordable Care Act, patients may not be able to see a specialist.

“They might not be able to see a cardiologist. The medicine might be more expensive for them,” said Khan.

These are stories Sen. Kaine says he will share with his colleagues as healthcare in America could face a big change.