The Catalyst Fund

Advocacy makes a difference. Recent research published in Health Affairs showed that advocates who worked with Community Catalyst significantly improved their effectiveness: policymakers reported the advocates were more involved in policy discussions and had greater influence. While there is much work to be done, we are proud to highlight some accomplishments from the past year. Community Catalyst:

• ensured consumer voices were included in the national debate. Our consumer-oriented policy analysis garnered coverage in The New York Times, POLITICO, NPR and Newsweek. We increase our impact by raising our profile.
• mobilized state voices to influence federal policymaking. From Medicaid to private insurance, we created tools and opportunities for state advocates to communicate effectively with federal agencies. We served as a resource for policymakers implementing consumer protections on hospital financial assistance, billing and debt collection. We make important links between state-based needs and federal policies.
• improved coordination of health care services. We trained seniors and caregivers to advocate for more comprehensive and coordinated health care. We hosted a national convening of advocates, policymakers and funders to find opportunities to integrate care for people with disabilities. We push for better care for seniors and people living with disabilities.
• promoted consumer involvement to deliver on the promise of the health care law. Our analysis and guidance enabled state advocates to push for transparency and good governance in state insurance marketplaces. We helped advocates build productive relationships with key state officials so they were part of important decisions. We make sure consumers are at the table and engaged in state health policy decisions.
• improved children’s health by coordinating state efforts to ensure a strong federal “Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.” We are committed to improving children’s health and health care.
• pushed to make health care more equitable. We helped state advocates broaden their coalitions and engage more organizations of color. Our policy analysts and strategists worked closely with advocates in the south, where people have poorer health, to improve access to quality, affordable health care. Our work reflects the fact that health equity is critical to achieving social justice.

The Catalyst Fund supports Community Catalyst’s work to implement the national health care law. Investments in the Catalyst Fund help us leverage the capabilities and resources of state and local organizations to:

• Educate the public about the benefits the health care law will bring to their families
• Organize and mobilize people to provide a voice for consumers in implementation decisions
• Ensure policies are grounded in the needs of people in communities, particularly the most vulnerable
• Help people navigate the new system and connect with essential services