Families USA: The Voice for Health Care Consumers

Since 1982, Families USA has worked to promote high-quality,
affordable health care for all Americans.

Health Care Reform in 2009

Now, more than ever, we need your help
to make health care reform a reallty!

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New Resources from Families USA

Why Employers Should Share the Responsibility of Paying for Health Care discusses five reasons why it makes sense to require employers to contribute to the cost of health coverage, known as an "employer responsibility requirement." (June 2009)

Investing in Health Coverage: It Just Makes Sense explores four key reasons why we all have a stake in making sure everyone has health coverage. (June 2009)

Hidden Health Tax: Americans Pay a Premium discusses how private health insurance premiums are higher, in part, because the costs of uncompensated care for the uninsured are shifted to those who have insurance, a "hidden health tax." The report quantifies this "tax" for family and individual coverage. | Press Release | Blog Post (May 2009)

CHIPRA: The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, A Series of Issue Briefs. These issue briefs examine the new provisions that were included in the reauthorization and how they will affect implementation in the coming months.

Getting to Universal Coverage and Access: A May 27 congressional briefing co-sponsored by Families USA and the Congressional Tri-Caucus explored the importance of achieving universal coverage and access as a critical step toward health equity.

Too Great a Burden: Americans Face Rising Health Care Costs reveals how many Americans face very high health care costs and shows the magnitude of the health care cost crisis. | Blog Post (April 2009)

News from the Hill

CHIP Expanded and Reauthorized: The House passed the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) by a vote of 290-135, and President Obama signed it into law in a special White House ceremony on February 4. Check out the details on our CHIP Reauthorization page.

Healing the Economy: Health Provisions in the Stimulus Package: The stimulus bill—with its significant health care provisions—is an exciting first step, but we lost some ground along the way. Click here for details and to see what's good and not-so-good about the new law. Read Ron Pollack's blog post on why the stimulus provisions are so important.

More Resources

Conference Call Series for State Advocates: Listen to the calls from the 2009 series.

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