Health care access

The problem: Too many Americans without access to health care

The AMA and the AMA-MSS have recognized the problem of access to care in America as one of the largest issues facing medicine today. To address the issue of access to care, the AMA and the AMA-MSS have been involved in policy development, community service, education, and awareness efforts.

The AMA-MSS is a national supporter of Cover the Uninsured Week and a national partner of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) Covering Kids and Families project. MSS chapters across the country have helped eligible families enroll their children in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Furthermore, medical student members across the country volunteer in free clinics—there are even student-run clinics!

Highlights:

• Listen to former MSS Chair, Alik Widge, who was recorded for a CTUW news release (MP3, 1MB, requires a media player) publicizing why medical students should care about the uninsured.
• The MSS selected “Covering the Uninsured and Protecting Access to Care" as our National Service Project for 2006-08.
• Planning an event in your community? Use our Uninsured Module (PDF, 429KB) to make your event a success!
• Are you writing letters about the issue of the uninsured to your Members of Congress or other elected officials? The AMA-MSS has put together some talking points (PDF, 67KB) that can be incorporated into your letter or communication.