Patients United for Insurance Reform (PUIR) is a new 501(c)(4) non-profit that will advocate for transparency, accountability, and a patient-centered approach to reshape healthcare and ensure that the welfare of individuals takes precedence over corporate interests in our nation. The organization’s board of directors are all independent pharmacy owners and advocates, including our owner and pharmacist, John Hoeschen.
Looking for patient speakers
We are currently looking for one to two patients that have a story to tell about how their insurance coverage has negatively impacted their healthcare, including service denial, cost issues, access to care, etc. Stories can be about any aspect of your healthcare, not necessarily pharmacy only. Examples include an arduous struggle with the Prior Authorization process for a medical or pharmaceutical treatment, significant out-of-pocket costs, or being unable to find a care provider who will accept your insurance. Send us a message or give us a call (ask to speak with John) if you’d be interested in speaking at the press conference!
Because UnitedHealth Group’s (UHG’s) CEO, Andrew Witty, will be testifying before the US Congress that day, ideally this/these patient(s) would have a UHG health insurance plan (however, even if you don’t have UHG insurance but have a story you’d be willing to share, please let us know!). The story of a patient who’s been impacted by the recent Change Healthcare’s (a UHG subsidiary) ransomware attack would be especially valuable.
Timing (NEW!)
The event now begins at 12:30pm, but if you plan to participate in person, please arrive in the basement conference room around 12:00pm.
Location
Press Conference Room B971 is located in the below-ground tunnel level of the Capitol building. There are directional signs on that level to help direct you to the conference room.
Getting there
If driving, click here for directions to Capitol building parking
If using public transit, the Capitol is served by the Green Line and the Capitol/Rice Street station.
What to bring
Just yourself! There will be signs for patients to hold if you’re interested in standing behind the podium of speakers.
More about PUIR
PUIR’s website, which will include education and patient story collection, will go live during the press conference and can be found at www.patientsunitedmn.org (please note that until this time this link will be live but will not lead to the actual PUIR website). Once live, we’ll also highlight their website on our File a Complaint to #SaveIndiePharmacy page, since their collection of patient stories regarding health insurance issues will be an ongoing project and a way to contribute your voice to the movement for healthcare reform.