Strengthening Health

We work to strengthen public health systems and improve health care coverage, access, and affordability.

A pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic is seen in California. (Getty/Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)

What We're Doing

Increasing vaccination rates to end the pandemic

Vaccination is key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic and avoiding preventable illness, death, and economic loss. We promote equitable vaccine policy and leveraging governmental and employers’ power to promote vaccination and pandemic recovery.

 

Strengthening public health infrastructure

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed inequities and existing weaknesses in the United States’ public health infrastructure. We’re focused on improving health equity by investing in public health, addressing social and economic factors that affect health, and preparing for future health threats.

 

Improving access to affordable health coverage

We’re dedicated to bolstering affordable, high-quality health coverage options. By building on the Affordable Care Act, closing the Medicaid coverage gap, and innovating progressive solutions, we envision a world in which everyone can access care.

 

Lowering health care prices and consumer costs

Health care affordability is a top consumer concern, and prices for health care and prescription drugs are inaccessibly high for many. One of our key priorities is improving America’s health by lowering costs to ensure all people can afford to manage their health.

 

Center for American Progress Action

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By the Numbers

1.9

Life expectancy fell by 1.9 years in the pandemic—8.5 times more than peer countries.

Woolf, “Effect of the covid-19 pandemic in 2020 on life expectancy across populations” (2021).

2x

The U.S. spends 2 times more as peer countries on health, with 8% lower life expectancy.

CAP, “The Declining Health of Americans” (2021).

7,000

Closing the Medicaid coverage gap would save 7,000 lives per year.

CAP, “Closing the Medicaid Coverage Gap Would Save 7,000 Lives Each Year” (2021).

2.8x

COVID hospitalized Black and Hispanic people at a rate 2.8 times higher than white people.

CDC, “Risk for COVID-19 Infection, Hospitalization, and Death by Race/Ethnicity” (2021).

Recent Work

Latest

Compact View

Dems took on big Pharma, voters like me noticed In the News

Dems took on big Pharma, voters like me noticed

Lifelong asthma sufferer Carol Brown is eager to see the prescription drug savings from the Inflation Reduction Act. Beginning in 2025, Brown will save thousands of dollars annually due to the $2,000 copay cap.

the Arizona Capitol Times

Carol Brown

The MAGA Extremist Agenda Is a Threat to Progress Personal Story
Capitol building reflected in puddle in foreground and troops in background

The MAGA Extremist Agenda Is a Threat to Progress

This collection features stories from Americans threatened by the harmful rhetoric and legislative actions of MAGA Republicans.

Nationwide Abortion Bans Threaten the Will of Kansas Voters Personal Story
People standing at voting machines

Nationwide Abortion Bans Threaten the Will of Kansas Voters

A Kansas abortion activist fears that a nationwide abortion ban will reverse the will of Kansas voters who overwhelmingly support protecting abortion.

Recover, Rebuild, Reform: Stories of Americans Affected by the American Rescue Plan, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act Personal Story
Photo shows the U.S. Capitol building dome glowing pink during a sunrise

Recover, Rebuild, Reform: Stories of Americans Affected by the American Rescue Plan, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act

This collection features stories from people in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and New Hampshire whose lives have been improved by the legislation passed during the Biden administration’s first two years.

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