For the past few decades, healthcare consumers (patients) have been left out of the health care decisions that affect their lives. Because of this they feel “disempowered”. As policies meant to transform the healthcare delivery system are being debated and decided, powerful industry lobbyists have consistently overshadowed the voices of those directly affected by policy decisions. But times are changing. The consumer voice is regaining its role as an imperative part of the American democratic process. Americans are fed up with being disenfranchised, discounted and disregarded. A new president has revitalized the nation and inspired hope by welcoming civic engagement and community activism. Consumer advocacy groups are seeing significant increases in the numbers of people responding to calls for action. We are witnessing the beginning of a new “era of consumer empowerment”.

Florida CHAIN (Community Health Action Information Network) is a statewide consumer health care advocacy organization whose mission is to improve the health of all Floridians by promoting sustainable access to affordable, quality, effective health care. It does its work by collaborating with hospitals, businesses, labor unions, physicians, and the faith community to ensure that everybody gets a seat at the table. It’s not an easy road to travel but one certainly well worth the journey.

Among the stakeholders whose voices must be heard are those whose incomes are not high enough to afford private health care coverage. In Florida, Medicaid is a critical component of Florida’s health care system that serves 13% of the state’s population and consumes about 11% of the state budget. It supports both the privately and publicly funded segments of the health care system by covering high-cost procedures and medicines for low-income Floridians. By expanding Medicaid eligibility through national health care reform, Florida has an opportunity to insure close to 1.3 million more Floridians.

The time has come for the return of consumer advocacy and the era of consumer empowerment. Those who previously thought we had no voice are speaking out loud once again. We’re realizing that if we don’t advocate for an improved health care system, no one will!