STATE OF PLAY
In the summer of 2019, the Senate HELP Committee passed legislation that attempted to solve surprise medical billing through a mechanism known as rate setting. If implemented, this mechanism would have created disastrous unintended consequences for American physicians and the patients they treat. Proposals with similar language also emerged, thanks to lobbying by insurance companies. Working on behalf of stakeholders representing both healthcare providers and patients, Narrative managed a public affairs campaign that framed rate setting as a politically unviable option, particularly after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We flipped the script, engaging in an offense play that challenged the fault benefits of rate setting and advanced a competing solution to surprise medical billing signed into law at the end of 2020.
ACTION
Grassroots and Third-Party Activation. Activated grassroots networks across 39 states to push Congress to enact a fix to surprise medical billing, generating 487 op-eds and LTEs, 1,234 social media posts, 3,181 direct lawmaker contacts, and 379,000 constituent calls. Engaged with 29 third-party groups to augment our voice, generating 187 earned media hits and 97 radio/streaming segments aired.
Targeting. Built influencer networks for 260 Members of Congress and 137 administration officials and healthcare leaders for use in digital targeting and direct mailers. Identified and engaged with 136,475 physicians in key states and districts.
Advertising. Scripted, designed, produced, and placed 47 different pieces of creative over the course of nearly 1 year across broadcast, cable, radio, and digital platforms. Generated a total of 1.3 billion impressions. Was active in 20 media markets across 18 different states.
BY THE NUMBERS
Mobilized Grassroots Networks Across 39 States
Generated A Total of Roughly 1.3B Impressions
Identified and Engaged with 136,475 Physicians in Key Districts and Areas
IMPACT
Prevented Congress from passing legislation that would have given insurance companies significant bargaining power over doctors, providers, and hospitals. Congress ultimately passed favorable surprise medical billing legislation in December 2020.
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