Armed with the knowledge we gain from interaction with thousands of participants, we develop and advance proven policy solutions.  In partnership with policymakers and other key stakeholders, Heartland Alliance brings its innovation, expertise, and know-how to work for systemic health care change.  Some of our recent public policy successes in health care include the following:

Improved Language Assistance in Health Care:

Illinois' population speaking languages other than English is growing significantly.  However, language barriers have limited access to high-quality health care, resulting in patient-provider miscommunication, wasteful medical testing and expenses, and less preventative care. In 2007, Heartland Alliance successfully advocated for legislation in Illinois to reduce language barriers in medical care, helping improve medical care for thousands of limited and non-English speaking residents in Illinois.

Expanded Medicaid Coverage for Asylum Seekers and Survivors of Torture:

Survivors of torture and asylum applicants often require comprehensive health services to heal from deep physical and psychological wounds.  However, until recently, in Illinois, many of these survivors were unable to pay for health care and were ineligible for Medicaid.  Heartland Alliance successfully spearheaded state efforts in 2006 to expand Medicaid coverage for asylum seekers and survivors of torture, assisting them in accessing necessary medical treatment.