Working to strengthen community action, promote social change, and improve health, especially for those who are most vulnerable.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION
The Access Project applauds Ohio Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy
for introducing the Medical Debt Relief Act of 2009 (HR 3421). This legislation addresses the widespread problem of medical debt on credit reports. The Act would require the removal from a consumer's credit report of medical accounts that have been fully paid within 30 days of being settled. The proposal could provide relief to millions of Americans who have had their credit scores lowered due to medical accounts that have been fully paid off yet can remain on a credit report for up to seven years. Read more, including Rep. Kilroy's responses to questions posed to her by TAP...
THE ACCESS PROJECT (TAP) IN THE PRESS
January 20, 2010
Senate Upset Foils Democrats' Health Reform Agenda
HealthDay | Read article | by Karen Pallarito, HealthDay Reporter

January 13, 2010
Pelosi Fights for More Low Income Subsidies in Healthcare
U.S. News & World Report | Read article | by Kent Garber

December 28, 2009
Farm Groups Mixed On Benefits Of Reform
hutchnews.com | Read article | by Amy Bickel, The Hutchinson News

December 21, 2009
Where You Live Impacts Health
Agriculture Online | Read article | by Cheryl Tevis, Farm Issues Editor

December 2, 2009
Massachusetts As Model: Does Health Insurance Ensure Access To Care?
wbur.org | Read article | by Sacha Pfeiffer and Karen Brown

November 23, 2009
Cancer Took Woman's Husband and Ranch
High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal | Read article | by Jennifer Bremer

November 23, 2009
Report: Higher Profits for Student Insurers
Tufts Daily | Read article | by Ellen Kan

November 6, 2009
Report Blasts Student Health Plans
The Boston Globe | Read article | by Kay Lazar, Globe Staff

November 4, 2009
Slash Your Medical Bills: 7 Ways to Haggle
BNET.com/Moneywatch.com | Read article | by Jeanne Lee

October 25, 2009
Consumer Advocates Say Medical Debt's Hit on Credit is Unfair
The Dallas Morning News | Read article | by Pamela Yip and Jason Roberson

October 23, 2009
How to Haggle for the Best Medical Cost
NPR Marketplace | Read article | interview by Bob Moon
FEATURED WORK
*New Report Release* Issue Brief No. 6: Who Has Medical Debt and What Are the Consequences?
The sixth in a series, this issue brief examines the characteristics of farmers and ranchers who had medical debt and the impact of debt on their financial situation and ability to access care. Read more...

Six Ways to Reduce Medical Debt in Massachusetts
This brief discusses why medical debt remains a problem in MA despite the passage of its health reform bill. Read more...

Consumers' Experience in MA: Lessons for National Health Reform
This report examines the impact of state health reform efforts on the lives of ordinary people in Massachusetts, including a look at coverage provided by both public programs and private sources. It focuses specifically on people's ability to afford and obtain needed care. Read more...

The Access Project is Partnering with a Consortium of Non-Profit Organizations led by the Aspen Institute on an Initiative to Develop an On-Line Asset Platform
This platform will serve as a resource for staff at non-profit, social service organizations that provide financial education, coaching and asset development services. The asset platform will provide high quality information, training, and financial products and services allowing non-profits to more effectively serve their communities. It will feature The Access Project's Medical Debt Resolution Program and is expected to be available to the general public in January 2010.
MOVIE RELEASE
Do No Harm, a new documentary produced by Kindling Group,
tells the story of a two reluctant whistleblowers in a small Georgia town who endure relentless attacks as they struggle to draw national attention to hospital corruption and the plight of the uninsured. Visit the Do No Harm website