How Collaborating with Our Legislators Impacts Members and the Communities We Serve

Having worked in Government Affairs for most of my life, I can honestly say that one of my favorite aspects is getting to work with so many different people. At its most basic level, the role of Government Affairs is to ensure that legislators, regulators and their staff understand our business, but more importantly, the impact that the public policy they are crafting has on our members and the communities we serve. While it may seem to be a largely external-facing role, it actually requires intense internal collaboration to understand the potential implications of a given policy on our members and our business. This gives me the opportunity to work with exceptionally bright people inside and outside the company working every day toward improving our health care system – a dynamic I find so fulfilling. 

Through our strong relationships with our legislators, CareFirst has:

1. Created solutions to address affordability—Maryland’s Reinsurance Program and 1332 Waiver were a true collaboration between state and federal legislators and health care stakeholders and an example of how working constructively can create solutions that have an impact. 

2. Protected the Affordable Care Act – We have worked to ensure that Congress understands the importance of stabilizing the individual market, protecting those with pre-existing conditions and developing policies that expand coverage, drive down cost, and improve outcomes.

3. Engaged in national fight against opioids – We have pursued policies that would remove barriers to seeking help and improve care coordination in addition to providing grants to organizations around our region to help those suffering from substance use disorders.

As Vice President of Federal Government Affairs, I am proud to work for a mission-driven company that is dedicated to its members and our community. It is more than just a tagline – our associates live and breathe our mission every day. Through the years, CareFirst has nurtured a collaborative relationship with many stakeholders in our community – including our legislators – and I love being a part of sharing our story.