‘Figure it out’: Vulnerable GOP senator apologises after staffer snaps at three-time cancer survivor over health care

Thom Tillis trails Democratic challenger in crucial race as Republicans fight to keep control of Senate

Vulnerable North Carolina GOP Senator Thom Tillis, often identified by Donald Trump as an ally, has apologised to a constituent for an insulting tone by a staffer during a conversation about health care.

The apology comes with Mr Tillis trailing Democratic challenger Cal Cunningham in his bid for another six-year term as Republicans try to keep control of the Senate. It remains unclear if the president has any coattails in swing states he won four years ago like North Carolina, where he either is trailing or in a dead heat with Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

Bev Veals of Carolina Beach, a three-time cancer survivor, reached out to Mr Tillis’ office about her medical and subsequent financial situation. She has faced medical bankruptcy several times and was having trouble getting the health care she required, as first reported by WRAL-TV.

With her husband furloughed due to the coronavirus pandemic, she was looking for some guarantee that she would have some kind of health coverage if she lost her insurance.

She did not obtain that assurance when she called Mr Tillis’ staff.

"You're saying that, if you can't afford it, you don't get to have it?" Ms Veals asked. "That includes health care?"

"So what do I do in the meantime, sir?" she asked.

The Tillis aide snapped back: “Sounds like something you're going to have to figure it out."

The senator’s office has since issued this apology, though it may be another ding in his re-election hopes: "The way Mrs Veals was talked to by a staff assistant in our Washington office was completely inappropriate and violates the code of conduct Senator Tillis has for his staff, which is why immediate disciplinary action has been taken."