The Latest

Families USA has developed a series of briefs, "Talking about Health Care Reform." Publications that are a part of that series are indicated with an *. To see the complete list of available briefs, go to Talking about Health Reform.

Your Medical Bills: A Consumer's Guide to Coping with Medical Debt covers steps for paying your medical bills, understanding your rights, and other information you need to know if you are struggling with medical debt. The guide also includes links to many useful online resources. 19 pp. Print copies free | Fact Sheet | State Protections (November 2009)

The Republican Health Reform Proposal: A Destructive Alternative contrasts the Republicans' proposal with the Affordable Health Care for America Act, finding that the eleventh-hour proposal fails to address the key concerns of businesses and families. 7 pp. Print copies free (November 2009)

*Helping People with Long-Term Health Care Needs: Improving Access to Home- and Community-Based Services in Medicaid discusses how health care reform will give states incentives to strengthen home- and community-based services in Medicaid. 4 pp. Print copies free (October 2009)

One-Two Punch: Unemployed and Uninsured An in-depth look at the link between unemployment and uninsurance. The report provides state-by-state numbers showing the likely magnitude of the increase in the uninsured due to rising unemployment. 13 pp. Print copies $5.00 (October 2009)

*Senate Amendment on Wellness Program Surcharges Jeopardizes Access to Affordable Coverage and Care describes the concerns with an amendment under consideration in the Senate health reform bill that would allow employers and insurers to charge heath insurance enrollees larger surcharges for failing to meet "wellness" plan goals than are currently allowed. 2 pp. Print copies free (October 2009)

*Help for Small Businesses discusses how small businesses face a disadvantage when it comes to providing health insurance and how health reform will help remedy this situation. 3 pp. Print copies free (October 2009)

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Soften the Blow during Tough Economic Times discusses how these programs have served as an effective health care safety net for many newly uninsured families, particularly for children. 3 pp. Print copies free (October 2009)

Health Coverage in the States: How Will Health Reform Help? analyzes how the House health reform bill, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, would address many of the gaps and problems in the health care systems of specific states. 8 pp. Print copies free (September-October 2009)

*The Essential Benefits Package in the House Health Reform Bill (H.R. 3200) 6 pp. Print copies free (September 2009)

*Bridging the Gap: How Health Reform Will Help 55- to 64-Year-Olds 6 pp. Print copies free (September 2009)

Health Coverage in Communities of Color: Talking about the New Census Numbers looks at the latest census data and finds that communities of color continue to bear the brunt of the uninsured crisis. Includes details about who is uninsured, poverty levels of different racial and ethnic groups, and why public programs are vital to communities of color. 4 pp. Print copies free (September 2009)

*Got health insurance? Think you don't need reform? Think Again! 1 p. Print copies free (August 2009)

What's Next for CHIP-Funded Adult Coverage? examines how the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) changes coverage for parents and for adults without dependent children. 11 pp. Print copies $5.00 (August 2009)

*Better Coverage for Children 4 pp. Print copies free (August 2009)

*Comparative Effectiveness Research: A Potential Tool for Reducing Health Care Disparities 4 pp. Print copies free. (August 2009)

Costly Coverage: Premiums Outpace Paychecks The combination of stagnant wages and skyrocketing health insurance costs is placing a growing strain on family budgets. These state-specific reports show how health insurance premiums for families and individuals have risen over the last decade compared to earnings. 13 pp. Print copies $5.00 (August 2009)

10 Reasons to Support the Health Care Reform Bills 7 pp. Print copies free (July 2009)

For a complete list of Families USA's publications, go to Publications by Date or Publications by Topic.

Families USA produces a wide variety of publications each year. If you have questions about any of them, please contact Families USA. If you would like to order a publication, click here for an order form. Please make your check payable to Families USA and mail to Publications, Families USA, 1201 New York Avenue NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005. (DC residents/organizations, add 5.75% sales tax or provide exempt certificate)

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