Favorite Parts of Being a Policy and Legislative Advocate at Health Access California
Christine enjoys the dynamic and ever-changing nature of being a Policy & Legislative Advocate at Health Access California, stating that "every year is really different" due to the constant influx of new legislative bills, which allows for continuous learning and advocating on diverse issues such as telehealth and maternity care deserts. The career professional appreciates the opportunity to work with different partners and delve into new topics like prior authorization each year, fostering a stimulating and intellectually rewarding career.
Healthcare Policy, Legislative Advocacy, Healthcare Access, Policy Analysis, Continuous Learning
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Christine Smith
Policy & Legislative Advocate
Health Access California
UC Berkeley
University of San Francisco: Masters in Public Administration
Political Science, American Studies
Government & Public Sector, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Communication and Marketing
Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. The role changes every day and every year due to new legislative bills (around 2000 introduced annually), requiring adaptation and learning.
2. The work involves sponsoring and supporting various bills related to healthcare affordability and accessibility, with opportunities to collaborate with different partners.
3. Current work includes addressing issues like telehealth and maternity care deserts, as well as learning about topics like prior authorization.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your role?
I love that it changes every day. Every year, there are new legislative bills, and my work is generally related to the organization I'm working for.
We are a coalition-based organization that works to make healthcare affordable and accessible for people. Each year, the legislature introduces about 2000 bills, and my job changes in response.
Sometimes we are sponsoring a bill that we really care about, or supporting different bills. I never know what's going to be introduced, or what partners I'm going to get to work with.
So, every year is really different, and sometimes it can change throughout. I really love learning and advocating within those pieces.
This year, I'm working on some interesting telehealth bills, as well as bills to address maternity care deserts. There are many areas in California where people cannot get adequate maternity care, and those are just really interesting to me.
This year, I've learned a lot more about prior authorization, and I get to learn more every year. I really, really love that.