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.

Health care access: The issue

Describes the issue of health care access and provides background information such as links to AMA resources and Cover the Uninsured Week.

Health care access: Policy

Contains AMA health care acess policy resources such as the AMA Plan, MSS Digest of Policy Actions, the AMA's Council on Medical Service's reports and financial trends reports. Also includes government-related health policy links.

Covering Kids & Families

MSS is an official participant in this year's Covering Kids and Families Back To School campaign, which help connect eligible families with low-cost and free health care coverage. Learn how you can get involved in this campaign!

Cover The Uninsured Week

As a national supporter in Cover the Uninsured Week (CTUW) 2007, the MSS is one of many national organizations in the United States helping to make the issue of the uninsured a focus of national discussion. Find out the events planned at your chapter for CTUW!

Cover the Uninsured Week: Here's your part!

The MSS has developed a number of modules to help you and your chapter organize a Cover the Uninsured event in your community.