National health care reform and the 103rd Congress: The activities and influence of public health advocates

Objectives: This study examined the activities and influence of public health interest groups and coalitions on the national health care reform debates in the 103rd Congress. Methods: Congressional staff and representatives of public health interest groups, coalitions, and government health agencies were interviewed. Content analysis of eight leading national health care reform bills was performed. Results: The public health community coalesced around public health in health care reform; nearly all the major interest groups and government health agencies joined two or more public health or prevention coalitions, and half joined three or more. The most effective influence on health care reform legislation was early, sustained personal contact with Congress members and their staffs, accompanied by succinct written materials summarizing key points. Media campaigns and grassroots mobilization were less effective. Seven of the eight leading health care reform bills included one or more of the priorities supported by public health advocates. Conclusions: The public health community played an important role in increasing awareness and support for public health programs in the health care reform bills of the 103rd Congress.