Senator Rand Paul visited Highlands Regional Medical Center on Thursday afternoon. A roundtable discussion was held with doctors, pharmacists, administrators and local leaders.

During the event, many different topics were discussed, including the opioid epidemic and affordable insurance. Paul said he hopes to take these conversations and make a difference in Washington.

"Small town hospitals are very important to the community," Paul said. "They employ a lot of people, they are good jobs and most people want to live in a community that has a hospital so you don't have to drive an hour to a hospital. So to me, it is very important."

According to Paul, he is working with President Trump on a plan that would allow Americans to join group insurance plans across state lines. He said this would be a more affordable approach to healthcare.