WASHINGTON (AURN News) — Dr. Heavenly Kimes, a Georgia congressional candidate for the 13th Congressional District and a cast member on “Married to Medicine,” is stepping into a new role, not on television, but in the halls of Congress.
Kimes is spending time in Washington, D.C., meeting with lawmakers and staff as she prepares for what she says could be her first 100 days in office.
“I’m actually in D.C. right now learning my colleagues, if you will. I’m meeting congressional leaders. I’m meeting chiefs of staff. I’m learning the ropes for my first 100 days in office,” Kimes told AURN News.
Kimes, a dentist of more than 25 years, said her campaign is rooted in what she sees firsthand in her practice — patients struggling to afford care and delaying treatment.
“I see firsthand people cannot pay their medical bills. They cannot afford their insurances. They cannot afford their treatment,” she said. “Prevention is always better than crisis.”
Kimes said those experiences are shaping the policy ideas she is studying while in Washington, including changes to Medicaid eligibility and access.
Kimes said she is exploring proposals that would allow people to remain on Medicaid longer, arguing that frequent reenrollment requirements are causing people to lose coverage without realizing it.
She also pointed to gaps in coverage for adults ages 18 to 64 with mental health challenges or other conditions, saying current requirements can make it difficult for some to qualify.
“The people between 18 and 64 with issues like autism and mental health challenges are being left out,” she said.
Kimes said her time in Washington has also been about understanding how Congress operates and building relationships.
“Very, very well,” Kimes said when asked how she has been received on Capitol Hill. “I’ve met a lot of politicians.”
As she walks the halls of the Capitol, Kimes said she believes her background, both as a dentist and a public figure, prepares her for the role.
“I feel like in times such as this, I feel like God is pulling people from unexpected places,” she said.
She said her campaign is focused on issues like health care, affordability and access to resources in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District.
“I want to go to Congress to make sure that we can get the resources that we need in the great Georgia 13th District to make sure our children eat, make sure they have medical care, and make sure they have an opportunity as well,” Kimes said.
Kimes also emphasized the importance of voter participation in what she described as a competitive race.
“We have to vote. We have to get up, get out and vote,” she said.
Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Jamie Jackson:
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