The Importance of Coverage

Nov 17, 2017 - 06:25 AM

A cancer survivor is alive because doctors diagnosed her disease in time and got her the treatment she needed immediately. A man with diabetes learns how to monitor his blood sugar to avoid the amputation of his leg. These miracles happened because these patients had meaningful access to care as a result of having health care coverage.

Promoting health coverage for as many Americans as possible is a core value of the AHA.

In the past five years, more than 20 million Americans have gained coverage thanks to the expansion of Medicaid, enrollment in private coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplaces, and other coverage programs. We must preserve these gains – and build upon them.

Open enrollment for 2018 coverage through the marketplaces runs through Dec. 15 in most states, and America’s hospitals and health systems have a vital role to play in connecting consumers with health coverage.

The AHA has resources available to help you engage with members of your community, including our digital toolkit.

Having coverage improves access to care and is associated with better health outcomes. You can read about these findings and more in the AHA’s latest report on the Importance of Health Coverage.

It measures the gains we’ve made – and the work we still have to do to help the approximately 28 million Americans who remain uninsured.

We all know the importance of having health coverage. The AHA is your partner in our effort to make it available to all who need it. Every hospital – in every community – can help make a difference.

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