Insights Column

Health Reform would cut the number of uninsured Virginians in half

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has been an outspoken opponent against the Affordable Care Act. Unfortunately for him, the Virginia Health Reform Initiative (VHRI) Advisory Council—a council that he...

The Burden of “Non-Communicable Diseases” in Communities of Color

"Non-communicable diseases" (NCDs) is a key buzz phrase in public health today. Even the United Nations has the term on its mind, as it recently held a historic high-level meeting to develop a plan ...

Interactive Health Care Conference Calls Changing Lives, Engaging Thousands

This post was originally featured on the HHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships blog: For people like Sam, the HHS Partnership Center's conference calls on the health care refor...

The Consequences of Inaction: Why Consumer Assistance Programs Need Support Now

Where do you go when you need help fighting a denied insurance claim, filling out an insurance application, or even just finding affordable insurance? State consumer assistance programs help the publi...

What Will it Take To End Cervical Cancer?

¡Basta ya! Changing the Frame from Sex and Stigma to Health and Safety Written with Lydia Mitts No woman should die from cervical cancer. Medical science has finally given us the tools to preve...

Holding Insurance Companies Accountable: The Importance of a Good Appeals Process

By Erinn Ackley - Red Lodge, Montana Inclusion of a fair and expeditious appeals process that holds health insurance plans accountable is a very important component of the Affordable Care Act. In 2...

One Family’s Struggle Against Leukemia and Medical Bills

Amid the many tragic stories of Americans struggling with health care costs, one Alabama family's situation exemplifies the undeniable need for health reform. The Richmond family has a 13-year-old d...

Playing Politics with Women’s Health

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, come August 1, 2012,many insurance plans will be required to cover contraception as part of women's preventive care - meaning no more co-pays or deductibles. This ...

The End of Unexplained Insurance Rate Increases in New York

Advocates in New York recently celebrated a huge victory for health care consumers. Their efforts resulted in the public disclosure of insurer filings for all premium rate increases, guaranteeing grea...

The Hidden Holes in Our Health Coverage

On February 9, the Administration announced a final rule under the health care law that requires all health insurance companies to describe the benefits, limitations, and costs of their plans in plain...