100 Most Influential People in Healthcare - 2017

• Compensation: $174,000

• Years on list: 1

Collins, now in her third term, was first elected to the Senate in 1996. She has served as the chair of the Senate Special Committee on Aging since 2015 and previously headed the Senate Committee on Homeland Security from 2003 to 2007. As a native of northern Maine, Collins understands the challenges that rural communities face for medical care. Throughout her time in the Senate, she has consistently supported programs to expand access to and improve healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved areas and for the most-vulnerable. Collins defied her party leadership and voted 'no' on all three Senate GOP proposals to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, citing the millions across the country who would lose insurance coverage.