| The latest news from and for state health care advocates |
August 2011 |
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In each edition, we'll feature an action, victory, campaign, or interesting tactic shared by a state advocate. Send us your updates. |
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In This Issue:
Buzz around the States
As Senator Hatch brings a one-sided Senate Finance Committee hearing on Medicaid back to his home state, Lincoln Nehring of Voices for Utah Children responds in the Salt Lake Tribune.
Florida CHAIN outlines the case against Florida’s proposed managed long-term care experiment.
Colorado Consumer Health Initiative continues to advocate against conflict of interest on Colorado’s new Health Benefit Exchange Board.
The Campaign for Better Health Care in Illinois has updated their guide to include the new provisions of the Affordable Care Act that take effect this year.
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States in Focus
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Innovative tactics, like street theater, can be used to convey a message about deficit reduction that captures the attention of the general public and media. Through such efforts, states can send a message to Congressional leaders that closing tax loopholes and protecting programs, like Medicaid, is a critical component of budget talks.
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West Virginia Street Theater Draws Attention to Medicaid
As Congress deliberated how to address the deficit, many advocates across the country worked to send a clear message to Congress that large cuts to Medicaid should not be part of the deal. In West Virginia, Renate Pore, health policy director with the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, helped urge Senator Joe Manchin to protect Medicaid.
First, Renate worked with other health advocates to meet with the Senator’s staff and to host a campaign featuring letter writing and calls to the Senator. But Renate wanted to go further—she wanted the public to understand that the budget problem is not just a spending problem, but a revenue problem too. Renate worked with other West Virginians to perform street theater near the Senator’s office. Their show depicted a rally for the rich and, in contrast, a bake sale for Medicare and Medicaid. At the rally, a costumed “fat cat” spoke of her appreciation of the Bush tax cuts, which allowed her to enjoy her lavish lifestyle. At the bake sale, locals raised money to reduce the debt and protect public health programs.
Their performance garnered statewide media coverage and captivated the attention of West Virginia bystanders. Developing creative visuals and engaging ways to talk about the budget proved effective in highlighting the need to defend programs like Medicaid. Renate emphasized how important it was to show the public that a balanced approach to deficit reduction, including both spending cuts and increased revenues, was essential. Renate stated, “Sometimes, we, as advocates, are so wonky that we lose the general public. We must make this issue understandable for those who are too busy to keep up with the talks in Washington.”
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Don’t underestimate the effectiveness of directing actions to one key decision maker. Advocates in Wisconsin were successful in honing activist energy and garnering media attention by framing the budget cuts around choice and encouraging actions directed toward Congressman Ryan.
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Congressman Paul Ryan Is Running Scared in Wisconsin
Recent advocacy efforts in Wisconsin have had Congressman Paul Ryan, who is behind major efforts to slash Medicaid and Medicare, on the run. According to Robert Kraig, executive director of Citizen Action of Wisconsin, upon Ryan’s return home for recess, advocacy groups and grassroots activists inundated the airwaves and crowded town halls to voice their opinions.
While Robert proudly admits a great deal of Wisconsin’s grassroots activism has occurred organically, Citizen Action of Wisconsin played a critical role in garnering community support. Using email and social media, the group capitalized on activist energy by peppering followers with legislative updates, suggesting action steps, and providing talking points to make their activism more effective.
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To garner media attention, Citizen Action of Wisconsin held several events ranging from traditional press conferences with senior and disability groups to more gimmicky events. For instance, after news broke that Congressman Ryan racked up a $700 bar tab while dining with lobbyists, activists staged a wine tasting outside Ryan’s office calling attention to how out of touch he is with the local community. By using this media opportunity, Robert says, “We were able to emphasize that deficit reduction is about choices and values. Should Congress close tax loopholes for millionaires or slash funding for seniors in nursing homes?”
Advocates in Wisconsin intend to use this winning message of choice to foster opposition to devastating state Medicaid cuts and to gain more support for consumer-friendly implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
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Examining data provided by insurers in preparation for rate review hearings can benefit regulators during the rate review process. OSPIRG also found that engaging the public can make a big difference when trying to hold insurance companies accountable.
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Oregon Rate Review Hearing Leads to Greater Transparency and Consumer Input
In June, Oregon held its first public rate review hearing in more than 20 years. The hearing, which the Insurance Department scheduled after Regence Health Insurance threatened a 22 percent rate hike, attracted much attention across the state. Oregon advocates quickly got to work to make sure there was increased transparency and a strong consumer voice in the process.
Oregon State Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG) launched a Health Insurance Rate Watch Project to examine insurance company rate filings and conduct a full analysis of those that were particularly atrocious. The project, which was funded by the state Insurance Department, through Affordable Care Act grants, allowed OSPIRG to inspect Regence’s filings and provide information at the hearing. Laura Etherton, health care advocate at OSPIRG, says that the lack of supporting information and data for many of their calculations was alarming. She uncovered hidden profit margins and reported the missing data to the state.
In addition to shedding light on Regence’s discrepancies, OSPIRG and partners reached out to the media to advertise the hearing and inform the public about how they could be involved in the process. Because Regence is the largest insurer in Oregon’s individual market, the rate hike attracted a great deal of media attention. OSPIRG and Regence engaged in public debates in the weeks leading up to the hearing. Stories of the debates aired repeatedly on the news, which increased attention and created a buzz around the impending hearing.
Hundreds of consumers came to testify at the hearing. In July, the Insurance Department announced that they rejected the 22 percent hike and approved a much smaller 12.8 percent hike. This hearing demonstrated that consumers can have a direct effect on rate hikes—and it was a win that will, hopefully, inspire future hearings.
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Beat of the Month
“Back to School Again” from the Grease 2 soundtrack. It’s that time of year when summer fun is ending, and students across the country are getting ready to go back to school. It’s a great time to engage students in activism and organizing efforts!
Advocate Tip:
Get a Head Start on Back to School
This month, college students are headed back to campuses across the country. Take advantage of this time to create a presence at local college campuses. Check out Families USA’s Head Start on Back-to-School for activity ideas as well as last month’s State Health Beat featuring Strategies for Engaging Young Adults and best practices for young adult organizing. Also use the Young Invincibles Back-to-School Toolkit to find flyers and informational resources for students.
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New Resources from Families USA and Stand Up for Health Care
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