| The latest news from and for state health care advocates |
October 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
Take Action Minnesota fights back against corporations and big banks that are trying to protect loopholes and tax breaks at the expense of Medicaid and other essential programs.
Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer explains how he’s able to pass progressive policies in his red state, including his most recent plan to form a Montana Health Cooperative.
Join Pennsylvania Health Action Network’s quilting campaign for Senator Toomey by hosting a quilting party or sponsoring a square.
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States in Focus
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Train-the-Trainer events equip advocates with the necessary tools and information to educate others about the Affordable Care Act. These events create networks of people who can educate others about the complexities of the law, which in turn, spreads knowledge about the law throughout the community. And, these events can lead to other worthwhile outcomes, such as the creation of a Speakers Bureau.
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New Hampshire Leadership Trainings Set Stage to Educate Granite Staters
New Hampshire Voices for Health has had tremendous success with their Train-the-Trainer events. The purpose of these events is to assist their partner organizations and other allies in expanding public education and communication efforts around the Affordable Care Act.
Their first event with advocates from partner organizations and small business owners was held in March 2011. It included a general overview of the Affordable Care Act and the benefits it provides to families and small businesses. During this training, Voices staff made a presentation and shared a speakers’ outline, handouts, and a calendar of key implementation dates with the advocates for 2010 and 2011.
Voices held another Train-the-Trainer event in August 2011 that focused on general education about exchanges, including key advocacy points for state and federal work, as well as an exchange advocacy training outline. Then, Voices staff members accompanied leaders as they conducted similar trainings in the community. This event has prompted partner organizations to plan trainings for their own members.
And, the Train-the-Trainer events catalyzed the formation of a Speakers Bureau, which includes advocates who have completed the Train-the-Trainer events. Through their Speakers Bureau, Voices and its network partners provide speakers for events in the community. Common topics include state health policy, advocacy opportunities, the exchange, and the Affordable Care Act and small businesses.
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When you develop your issue-based campaign, be strategic. Before advocates in New Jersey launched their campaign against the governor’s Medicaid waiver, they developed a winning message, took aim at a specific target, and capitalized on existing relationships to enhance their work with key decision makers.
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New Jersey Successfully Campaigns against Medicaid Waiver
Thousands of New Jerseyites can breathe a sigh of relief. After months of waiting for the federal government’s approval, the state’s Department of Human Services (DHS) withdrew their request for a waiver that would have drastically cut eligibility for NJ Family Care.
When the state’s Department of Human Services first proposed a comprehensive Medicaid waiver, advocates worried that mainstream media would not understand the severity of the proposed NJ Family Care cuts. They began strategizing about ways to increase and shape media coverage. Working together, advocacy groups including New Jersey Citizen Action, New Jersey Policy Perspective, Legal Services of New Jersey, and the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network launched a full-fledged campaign against the waiver.
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The advocacy groups announced the campaign at a joint press conference at the state capitol. Advocates solicited help from two key state senators who explained how the waiver fit into Governor Christie’s broader draconian agenda. In addition, they released data highlighting exactly how many New Jerseyites would be harmed by eligibility cuts.
Advocates used this data to break through the noise and connect with reporters on a weekly and sometimes daily basis, which allowed them to build a solid case against the waiver. In addition to press outreach, advocates executed an “inside” strategy that included regularly talking to Department of Human Services officials, submitting formal comments to DHS, and assisting state legislators as they prepared for critically important hearings. Advocates also started meeting with federal officials to urge them not to accept the waiver request, which put more pressure on the state. Advocates also engaged the public through social media and community events.
Advocates were able to maintain their working relationship with the Department of Human Services and build a solid case against cutting eligibility for NJ Family Care by publically tying the waiver to Governor Christie and providing concrete data that illustrated the effects of such cuts.
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In partnership with other groups, Health Action New Mexico quickly launched a petition campaign against an unnecessary rate increase. They were flexible and focused their efforts on a campaign that required little time and preparation. In a very short amount of time, the campaign generated hundreds of petition signatures and significant media attention. And, they achieved their goal: no further rate increase.
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New Mexico Amplifies Consumer Voices in Rate Review Process
Earlier this year, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) imposed a 21 percent increase on rates for policy holders in the state. Given that New Mexico’s poverty rate is the second-highest in the nation, increased costs hit New Mexicans especially hard. Then, last month, they tried to sneak another premium rate hike by consumers.
Blue Cross Blue Shield rushed to file the request before January 2012, which is when New Mexico’s Rate Review Law takes effect. This new law requires vigorous review of any insurance rate increase affecting consumers. Blue Cross Blue Shield’s 9.99 percent increase was an attempt to bypass systematic scrutiny as 10 percent is the minimum increase to trigger a federal review process. Upon hearing of this request, Health Action New Mexico (HANM) quickly began to strategize about quick and effective ways to insert the consumer voice into the rate review process.
Health Action New Mexico teamed up with Know Your Care New Mexico and the Alliance for Retired Seniors to develop a petition that demanded Blue Cross Blue Shield delay their request until January when the new review mechanism is in place. The groups disseminated the petitions online and in person, generating 1,527 signatures and attracting significant earned media hits. The petitions were delivered to the Albuquerque offices of Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Public Regulation Commission, the attorney general, and the governor’s office. Less than a week later, the Department of Insurance denied Blue Cross Blue Shield’s request for a rate increase.
The petitions allowed consumers to voice their opposition to the rate increase, influence policy, and demonstrate that they can make a difference.
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Beat of the Month
Many of you have been working tirelessly to submit comments about proposed rules for exchanges and other provisions of the Affordable Care Act. As you make any final changes before today’s deadline, let “Under Pressure” by Queen take you to the finish line.
Advocate Tip:
Guide to Grants in the Affordable Care Act
Colorado Senator Michael Bennet recently released a comprehensive resource about grants available to state-based groups through the Affordable Care Act. This guide includes a grant description, application timeline, most recent appropriation and information on eligibility requirements. The guide is not limited to Colorado-based grant opportunities. Please visit http://www.grants.gov/ for more information about a specific grant or to begin the application process.
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New Resources from Families USA and Stand Up for Health Care
Take me to back issues of the Beat!
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