Health Care Advocacy Organizations in Pennsylvania

Coalition building is an essential part of significantly changing health care policy in this country, which is why we recommend getting involved with existing health care advocacy organizations, many of which have been working for years to raise awareness of alternative health insurance models. A creative artist can bring much needed skills and new ways of thinking to these groups, particularly those involved in outreach in their communities, and many of the national groups have local chapters involved in both state and federal reforms. The organizations below represent various approaches to universal health care, including a single-payer system, mandates and a government-run insurance company. They hold in common the fundamental belief that all people have the right to quality, affordable health care, regardless of our income or how we make a living. This fight needs every one of us in order for it to succeed.

The goal of Health Care for All Pennsylvania is to secure comprehensive and fair health coverage for all Pennsylvanians through a single payer health care system. They offer many ways for individuals to get involved in reform.

The Prescription for Pennsylvania (Rx for PA) is the new health care proposal proposed by Governor Rendell to offer health care to all Pennsylvanians, while working to reduce the costs of health insurance. It includes Cover All Pennsylvanians (CAP), which would ensure low-cost full health insurance, including prescriptions, for all adults. This site is a good place to follow the progress of the bill (HB 700), and to find out about rallies and events supporting its success.

Families USA is a national organization working at the national, state, and community levels to achieve high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Their information on health care reform explains why reform is so necessary, what states are doing to expand coverage, and what health care in the United States could look like in the future.

Health Care for America Now (HCAN) believes that everyone in this country should have accessible, quality health care they can afford. They are currently fighting for a new public health insurance plan to be offered in addition to private plans, which would guarantee standard, comprehensive benefits, and insurance rates commensurate with income. HCAN shows individuals how to lobby their U.S. Senators and Representatives in Congress to stand up to the insurance companies and other special interest groups.

The United Health Care Action Network supports the Institute of Medicine principles for health care reform, which state that health care coverage should be universal, continuous and affordable to individuals and families; the health insurance strategy should be affordable and sustainable for society; and health insurance should enhance health and well-being by promoting access to high-quality care that is effective, efficient, safe, timely, patient-centered, and equitable.

Cover the Uninsured, a project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is a national effort to highlight the fact that too many Americans are living without health insurance and demand solutions from our nation's leaders. The site features excellent statistics on insurance coverage in every state, and offers guidance on how to host and publicize local events to show support for America's uninsured.