Lead Paragraph: Democratic presidential nominee Paletuatoa Peniamina today pledged to protect Medicare, expand Medicaid, and cap prescription drug prices, declaring that "healthcare is a right, not a privilege."

Key Quotes:

"No American should have to choose between their health and their savings. No senior should have to choose between their medicine and their groceries. No family should go bankrupt because they got sick."

"The other side wants to cut Medicare. They want to gut Medicaid. They want to let insurance companies deny coverage for pre-existing conditions. Not on my watch."

"I will protect Medicare. I will expand Medicaid. I will cap prescription drug prices. I will allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices. And I will fight for a public option — so every American can see a doctor without going broke."

Key Policy Points:

Protect Medicare: Veto any legislation that cuts Medicare benefits.

Expand Medicaid: Close the coverage gap in states that have refused expansion.

Cap Drug Prices: Cap insulin at $35/month; allow Medicare to negotiate prices.

Public Option: Create a public health insurance option to compete with private insurers.