Description:

Families USA’s top priority is to bring the voice of low-income health care consumers to health policy debates. The Health Policy Department provides the analytical support for Families USA’s federal and state health care advocacy work. In 2012, Families USA’s work will focus on 1) public education about the Affordable Care Act, 2) consumer-friendly implementation advocacy at both the federal regulatory level and within the states, and 3) Medicaid defense work in the context of budget politics.

The Health Policy Department is responsible for preparing fact sheets, issue briefs, media reports, and other written materials for the organization. We work closely with the Communications, Field, Government Affairs, Health Equity, and Publications/Web departments to tailor written products to different audiences and meet current advocacy needs.

Interns work closely with Health Policy Department staff on a variety of activities, including the following:

Conducting and translating research on the impact of the Affordable Care Act, including the Medicaid expansion, the new state exchanges, the new premium and cost-sharing subsidies, new rules and requirements in the private insurance market, new consumer insurance protections, and initiatives to improve quality and reduce health care costs
Conducting and translating research on proposals to alter the Medicare program and the potential impact on beneficiaries
Surveying state agencies and state advocates
Collecting specific data for health policy media reports
Preparing drafts of other short- and long-format materials that are relevant to current health policy debates.
Interns with Families USA’s Health Policy Department work collaboratively with staff to take a written product from start to finish and often have an opportunity to be listed as a co-author on one or more products. Interns in the past have co-authored issue briefs for state advocates and materials posted on the Families USA website.

Interns at Families USA are considered part of the staff and attend weekly staff meetings and internal team meetings to discuss Families USAs advocacy strategy and new initiatives to ensure health care access to all U.S. residents. In addition, Families USA encourages interns to take part in the active political community of Washington, D.C., by attending hearings on Capitol Hill, press conferences at the National Press Club, and policy forums at other organizations and think tanks, such as the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Center for American Progress. Interns are also expected to participate in “brown bag” discussions of advocacy work and political issues.

Qualifications:

Strong research, writing, and computer skills are essential.
Knowledge of the Affordable Care Act and health policy in general is a plus.
We are looking for interns who can demonstrate a commitment to the issues of low-income people.

Paid Internship Info:

$8.25 per hour

Hours:

regular work week

Length/Availability:

January to May

End Date:

12/15/12,

Tags:

health  policy  progressive  politics  healthcare  public  health 

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