Consumer Health First
Access, Quality, Equity
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Maryland's implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) since 2014 has meant that hundreds of thousands of our state's residents were able to acquire insurance coverage and the health care services they need. However, disparities in access persisted, particularly for those who did not qualify for coverage or were unable to afford it. These issues have been exacerbated by efforts on both the legislative and regulatory front to undermine the advance we have made - even as new challenges continue to arise. They include proposals to transform vital safety net programs such as Medicaid and to postpone funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program community health centers. At the same time, Maryland is moving forward with new models for our health care delivery system. To be successful in all of these initiatives will require that consumers be both informed and engaged in their own care and in the design of these new systems.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Health Policy Newsletter
During the course of 2017 CHF circulated e-letters on at least a weekly basis to its more than 2,500 member list to keep them informed of activities at both the state and federal level and to suggest opportunities for actions and activities that would support CHF's mission and the interests of Maryland consumers.
Medicaid Supports Maryland
The Medicaid Supports Maryland campaign is a nonpartisan educational initiative of Consumer Health First. The campaign provides information on the state’s Medicaid program and its benefits to Maryland and its residents and communities. The campaign does not promote legislation or specific policies. Materials and views expressed on the Medicaid Supports Maryland website do not necessarily reflect the views of Consumer Health First, its partners or supporters. The campaign is co-managed by The Hatcher Group, a Maryland-based communications firm that works with foundations and non-profits nationwide.
Where we work
External reviews
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Our guiding mission is to fulfill the promise of the Affordable Care Act for equitable access to health care so that all Marylanders have the security of knowing that they can get the care they need - when and where they need it. With that promise fulfilled, we can create healthy and thriving communities for our children to grow up in and a state that is fiscally sound and welcoming for all.
These goals, however, are threatened today as we look at threats of federal "repeal" legislation and the "death by a thousand cuts" approach to the ACA that could mean insurance carriers again rejecting those with a pre-existing condition as mild as acne and as serious as cancer.
That is a future none of us wants to see. Therefore, Consumer Health First remains totally committed to addressing all of the challenges ahead even as we look for opportunities to build a stronger health care system in Maryland.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Consumer Health First has identified two broad strategies to advance health equity within the construct of Maryland's current reform efforts.
To foster a culture of health in our state that is driven by:
• Health care aware consumers, who have the information and resources they need to be engaged in their own health care as well as the health care of their communities.
• Policy experts and consumer advocates, who are actively engaged in all levels of the design and implementation of health care reform initiatives.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
To support these efforts Consumer Health First is committed to:
(1) developing legislative and policy proposals that ensure that all Marylanders have access to high-quality, comprehensive and affordable health care:
(2) providing information, tools and resources for consumers, legislators, decision-makers, and others that are based on consumer-centric models that advance health equity.
In addition, we have a robust communication and outreach effort that includes a weekly newsletter, social media platforms on Facebook and Twitter, webinars, and an annual health care reform symposium with leaders from across the state to provide the latest on health care policy, reform, and transformation delivery system updates.
We also do outreach through town halls, community groups, faith groups, and other state based organizations as an active member of state policy committee and boards.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
2014 - 2017: CHF leadership serve on the HSCRC Advisory Council, Consumer-Standing Advisory Committee, and Work Groups focused on the design and implementation of Maryland's unique All-Payer Model
2015/16: Ensuring that Essential Community Providers were included as a category for network adequacy purposes.
2017: Gained passage of the Family Planning Services Act - Continuity of Care. The first law of its kind in the Country, this ensures funding through Medicaid for family planning services should Congress cut Planned Parenthood funding.
2017: Organize and manage the Maryland Medicaid Collaborative comprised of twenty lead organizations that represent the populations served by the program. The purpose of the Collaborative is to leverage the policy expertise of these and other partners to address and/or mitigate any proposed alterations to the Medicaid program at either the state or federal level.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Consumer Health First
Board of directorsas of 11/05/2018
Beth Sammis, Ph.D
Leni Preston
Consumer Health First
Mary Lou Fox
Retired
Madeleine Shea, Ph.D.
Health Management Associates
Charles Arian
Rabbi of Kehilat Shalom Synagogue
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? No -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No