Health Care Reform

Health Care


AFSCME Pres. McEntee on our health reform victory.

The first two things you need to know about health care:

  • You will continue to have the employer-sponsored health coverage you won at the bargaining table.
  • Eighty-five percent of the proposed excise tax on insurance benefits is gone, thanks to our work.

AFSCME Makes Health Care Reform Happen!

After decades of struggle and a year of debate, comprehensive health care reform has been enacted as the law of the land. And while it will take time to responsibly implement the law, the nation has finally put itself on a path to addressing skyrocketing costs and reining in insurance company abuses. This historic achievement was made possible because of the tremendous energy and commitment of AFSCME members, activists and leaders all over the country. These efforts brought home this victory and made AFSCME shine.

Read more in this special issue of AFSCME WORKS Magazine

A Guide to Health Care Reform

Learn how the new reforms in health care will affect you and your family, find out what's in the new health care law and when changes will begin, and review how AFSCME members helped make health care reform the law of the land. This online program answers the question: What does health care reform mean for you?

Launch the Online Workshop

Health Care Reform Timeline
 
  • Tax credits for small businesses
  • Drug help for seniors
  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions
 
  • All kids get covered
  • Can't get dropped if you get sick
  • No more lifetime limits
  • Children can stay on until 26
       
 
  • Premium payment reformed
    (80%-85% for medical care)
  • Free Medicare preventative care
 

 
  • Total ban on pre-existing condition denials
  • Health exchanges open
  • End to annual limits on benefits
Source: The Rachel Maddow Show

Downloadable Materials

Download these flyers and fact sheets for more information about what health care reform means to you.

Make America Happen Campaign for Health Care Reform

As part of the largest issue mobilization in AFSCME history, we generated over 300,000 calls, letters and emails to Congress. Our three-week long grassroots Highway to Health Care tour visited 20 cities in 10 states, and staff were deployed to a total of 22 states. The campaign was covered by local, state and national media.

Watch the video

National Health Care Day of Action

Highlights from the June 25, 2009 National Health Care Reform Rally and Lobby Day, including a video wrap-up, a photo gallery and coverage from AFSCME WORKS Magazine.

Read more

Call Your Lawmakers

Find out how your Representative voted on the health insurance reform bill, then call or write to thank them for yes votes — and let them know your displeasure with no votes.

Links

Print Version