FamiliesUSA

I have just returned from the FamiliesUSA annual conference. It was just what I needed to be re-energized. I attended some amazing break-out sessions on Medicaid, enrollment and engaging consumers in healthcare transformation.

I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the country who are involved in various roles in healthcare advocacy, enrollment and policy.

My overwhelming feeling the first couple of days was of being old. The conference provided young professionals the opportunity to attend the conference at a reduced rate and offered break-out sessions designed specifically for that group. It was a great idea! It was wonderful to see young, energetic people working passionately for the issues I believe in.

My new favorite song is a rap song – Glory – from the movie Selma. These lines from the song keep going through my mind:

“Somewhere in the dream we had an epiphany
Now we right the wrongs in history
No one can win the war individually
It takes the wisdom of the elders and young people's energy…”

It takes the wisdom of the elders and young people’s energy… how true. We really have to value each other and the role of both the young and the old. The healthcare battle is one that will not be finished in my lifetime. The fight for healthcare equity has been going on for over 100 years. The resolution is not at hand.

But it is so reassuring to see so many people who feel as passionately as I do about this issue. While many disagree with me, at the end of the day we are all better off if everyone has access to healthcare. We have to continue the work to ensure that healthcare is accessible, affordable, and quality. We still have a lot of work to do.

I am ready to do my part – thank you FamiliesUSA for my “booster shot”!