AcademyHealth Stateside - 03/30/2009  (Plain Text Version)

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In this issue:
 Technical Assistance Available on Providing COBRA and Mini-COBRA Subsidies
 SCI Holds Communications Webinar
 Save the Date: SCI’s Annual Meeting for State Officials
 Court of Appeals Denies Rehearing in San Francisco Employer Health Fee Case
 States Tighten Insurance Market Regulations
 Arkansas Passes Tobacco Tax Increase to Support Health Reform
 Oklahoma Releases Plan to Expand Coverage
 New Issue Brief on HRSA State Planning Grants Program
 Health Care Plans in the President’s Budget
 The Crisis of the Uninsured and Resources on the Issue
 Reports of Interest
 Updates from AcademyHealth

SCI Holds Communications Webinar

The State Coverage Initiatives program—along with GMMB, one of the leading communications firms in Washington, D.C.—hosted a web seminar for state health policy leaders on communications strategies for health reform that are resonating with the public during the current economic downturn.

The economic downturn and resulting budget challenges are the main—and sometimes only—focus for state policymakers as they endure difficult legislative sessions this year. GMMB addressed how health policymakers can make the case to protect or even expand key health care programs in this context.  They featured the key arguments being made at the state and national level—ads, quotes from leading figures in the health reform debate, and messages that have been tested with focus groups around the country.  They also gave a brief presentation on tips for developing state-specific messages.


All resources, including a full recording of the webinar, are available on the SCI website.