Policy Front

 
  • Throughout 2011, HAS partnered with other consumer groups to advocate for policies increasing access to affordable, high quality health insurance for millions of
    low-income and middle-class Americans nationwide.
     
  • On the heels of new federal regulations, HAS fought for strong patient control over who
    has access to new electronic health records being used by states, hospitals, and
    insurance companies.
     
  • Teaming up with the Oregon Health Action Campaign, HAS advocated for strong,
    pro-consumer standards in new state health insurance exchanges for families and
    small businesses.
     
  • HAS Executive Director Jason McNichol helped draft the first national guidelines for best practices in patient advocacy to educate and protect consumers.
     
  • HAS advocates championed the voice and interests of consumers at more than ten state and federal committee meetings on Medicare and Medicaid reform, end-of-life-care, threats to quality, and the cost of insurance. HAS was one of the only voices for consumers at many of these meetings, which were dominated by healthcare industry lobbyists.
     
  • HAS community outreach workers helped build awareness for new children’s insurance programs by reaching out to more than 500 low-income and working families in the
    Pacific Northwest.
     
  • HAS served as a resource for the press, helping to clarify complex healthcare issues and educate patients and consumers.
     
  • HAS Executive Director Jason McNichol presented at national advocacy conferences
    on the need to bridge between “on-the-ground” work helping patients and policy and
    system reforms.
     
  • HAS connected more than 100 consumers and families with local advocacy groups to push for higher quality, patient-centered, affordable care in ten states.

(Updated: Dec 21, 2011)