For many Americans, the extent to which government decisions impact our lives has become more and more evident, particularly in the debate over healthcare. Based on a majority of voters ranking health care as the most important issue during the 2018 midterm elections, healthcare reform promises to be a top issue going into the 2020 election. Now, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, many are asking: how will this pandemic change the healthcare system?
Understanding the Debate
Healthcare reform is one of the most contested issues in U.S. politics: costs are high, access is limited, and current laws and mandates do not work for everyone. Reform is inevitable, and will affect all Americans. It is important for lawmakers, businesses and employers, and individual citizens to be aware of the current state of healthcare and the reforms under consideration to come up with the best solution for Americans. Below are the current challenges and areas for reform featured in the newly updated Policy Circle Healthcare Brief:
What can you do?
As potential healthcare reforms are being considered, it is essential that Americans remain aware of the options so they can contribute to dialogue and make their voices heard. Here’s how you can lead by taking action:
Dive deeper:
For some ideas on where health care policy debate stands and what the future holds, The Policy Circle recently hosted a virtual discussion with Sally Pipes, President, CEO and Thomas W. Smith Fellow in Health Care Policy at the Pacific Research Institute, and Gloria Sachdev, President, and CEO of the Employers’ Forum of Indiana. WATCH:
Take Action
How can you lead during an uncertain time? Step up and contact your local representatives: Share how COVID-19 and the shelter-in-place orders are impacting you and your community or your business, or stories of organizations that are innovative in shaping public policy. Use this helpful template to get you started. You can also write a letter to the editor of your local or a national publication. Here’s how.
Do you find these conversations enlightening? Has your engagement with the Policy Circle been valuable to you and your community? We need your support to continue to provide virtual experiences, reliable content and programming to our 3,500 members around the country.
A recap of our virtual experiences are available here and could be a great launching point for your circle conversation. Or explore The Policy Circle Brief Library and utilize the following Briefs to spur engaging and timely conversations: Human Trafficking, the Federal Debt, U.S. Constitution. Don’t forget to review the Playbook to facilitate effective conversations.
Questions about hosting your first Virtual Circle meeting? Get in touch with our member experience staff who can guide you through the easy process.