In 2013, thousands of doctors, medical students, and other supporters came together to make a huge difference. Your stories, actions, and support have helped the Doctors for America movement lead our nation toward better health and access to affordable, high quality health care for everyone.
HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT WE DID TOGETHER IN 2013…
GETTING PEOPLE COVERED: COVERAGE IS GOOD MEDICINE |
In this historic time for health care coverage, here’s some of what YOU have done to help get people covered:
Since October 1, over 1 million Americans have signed up for coverage through insurance marketplaces, Medicaid, and CHIP. As a trusted voice in a confusing time, our outreach is making a difference! |
SPREAD THE WORD IN NATIONAL AND STATE PRESS |
Many Doctors for America members shared perspectives from the front lines of health care in national outlets like MSNBC, FOX News, CSPAN, AP, Kaiser Health News, McClatchy, NPR, CBS News, Huffington Post, Daily Kos – plus numerous statewide publications like the Tampa Bay Times, San Antonio Express News, Charlotte Observer, and the Dayton Daily News. |
RACED FOR COVERAGE |
Our Docs Run pilot ballooned into a national Race for Coverage! 156 doctors, medical students, and supporters have run, biked, walked, hiked, and even read poetry to raise awareness of new coverage options. These individuals including teams in Texas, Florida, California, and Massachusetts got in shape, had fun, and raised much-needed funds to spread the word on ACA enrollment. |
MOVED STATES TOWARD MEDICAID EXPANSION |
Doctors and medical students held press conferences, spoke at hearings and organized rallies to advocate for the expansion of Medicaid in states that have previously rejected funding. You rallied in white coats in state capitols from Utah to North Carolina to Texas and held a town hall with legislators in Florida. You got the Texas Medical Association’s support of expansion, and helped Ohio successfully moved to expand. |
ADVOCATED TO PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE |
4,000+ doctors, medical students, nurses, and other health care professionals in all 50 states signed our petition for common sense gun rules. Vice President Joe Biden took notice and asked us to present our recommendations to his Task Force on Gun Violence.
Your stories and voices helped move President Obama to issue key executive orders: 1) allowing the CDC to conduct research on gun violence, 2) making sure insurance plans cover mental health the same way they cover medical care. |
GAINED NEW SKILLS AND CONNECTIONS AT THE 2013 NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE |
This year’s conference was our biggest yet. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio talked about the impact Doctors for America has had on advancing health reform. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjaminled us through the Electric Slide and Wobble. Wendell Potter, former Vice President of Corporate Communications at CIGNA shared insights on messaging. And conference attendees shared questions and perspectives from the front lines with leading policymakers and Administration officials. |
2014: LET’S SEAL THE DEAL AND GET AMERICA COVERED! |
Tens of millions don’t even know that they can now get covered. Five million low-income people live in states that have not yet expanded Medicaid. Let’s get America covered in 2014 so we have a strong foundation for transforming health care in our clinics and communities in the years to come. Make a year-end tax-deductible donation today! |