Blog: Join us in helping the uninsured obtain coverage

The COVID-19 pandemic has made the importance of staying healthy and having health insurance coverage clearer than ever. Hospitals and health systems have a unique opportunity to help raise awareness on both fronts, and we encourage you to join us in this effort.

The American Hospital Association recently joined a new national coalition called Get Covered 2021. Get Covered 2021 is a non-partisan effort to bring together Americans to promote and expand the tools that exist today to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and expand coverage. This coalition focuses on improving people’s health, fighting COVID-19 and providing access to coverage for those eligible.  

As we all know well, uninsured Americans are not only vulnerable to COVID-19, but can lack access to care that can help prevent and treat diseases such as cancer, diabetes, depression and many more. As a member of the AHA, you know we are committed to advancing meaningful efforts to promote health care access and coverage for all Americans. As such, we are asking our members to consider supporting the Get Covered 2021 coalition in a few different ways:

• Get the word out on social media – Facebook, Instagram or Twitter – for your hospital and personally. Your voice encouraging patients, providers, friends, family members, neighbors and others in your community means a lot. Encourage them to visit GetCovered2021.org to see if they can get financial help to pay for health insurance and encourage them to enroll now. One of them may be among the millions of uninsured Americans who can get financial help or free Medicaid today. Visit the website for other tips, a Digital Toolkit and Partner Posts
• Dec. 10 is Get Covered America Day, a nationwide day of action when doctors, patients, celebrities, sports figures and state governments will come together to promote practical steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help uninsured Americans get enrolled now. In the days running up to and on Dec. 10, share your story or support on social media with #GetCovered2021, and encourage your uninsured loved ones to visit GetCovered2021.org to find the affordable health insurance that is best for them. And, don’t stop then – we encourage you to keep sharing these messages throughout December.

Thank you for your commitment to keeping your patients and communities healthy and cared for. And, please be safe and well.       

Molly Smith is AHA vice president of coverage and state issues forum.