Because our bill has already passed, we had to be creative in getting the word out about House Bill 440. We contacted the Virginia Nurses Association, the James Madison University Health Center, and the Harrisonburg City Department of Human Resources to educate them about the bill.
We chose to contact the Virginia Nurses Association because there are many nursing political leaders that are active in this organization. This organization needs to be knowledgeable about the bill since it is the nurse's role to educate and advocate for their patients. It is our hope that nurses will be able to explain these new changes and discuss the implications with their patient.
The second organization we contacted was the James Madison University Health Center. We chose this organization because with the large number of JMU students that will be affected by this bill, it is necessary that the JMU Health Center be aware of current legislation on insurance coverage. It is important for them to have the ability to answer questions students may have about insurance coverage after graduation.
Lastly, we contacted the Harrisonburg City Department of Human Resources. Through our research, we have learned that Virginia Employees are not allowed to add their children to their policies until the next open enrollment period on July 1, 2011. In contacting this organization, we are hoping to learn why this is. Additionally, because the Harrisonburg City Department of Human Resources deals with Harrisonburg residents and any insurance issues they made have, the Department of Human Resources should be prepared to deal with any issues that this bill may raise.
I was surprised to learn that the HR office of Harrisonburg deals with citizen issues. As you have mentioned this does make for a valuable contact in disseminating the information to those who need the information about this bill. Further education of both public and institutional groups can be brought through the Virginia Nurses Association's political influence, making this contact another important outlet. Finally, the use of the James Madison University's Health center as an outreach point was a good choice, as much of the health center's services are to offer information and links to greater services.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am happy that your bill has passed I think there is still much to do. The law may have been changed but it is only through the execution of these changes that we will be able to feel any effect. The insurance companies who are affected by this policy are likely to find ways around it, as it would benefit their profit, and ultimately stockholders. It is, however, a good step in the direction of providing health care to all those in need.
Thank you all for your efforts.