Many organizations have information that can help you understand your health care choices and where to find health insurance. Some helpful organizations are:
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is a component of the Public Health
Service (PHS). Its goals are to promote effective, appropriate, high-quality health care;
increase access to care; and improve the way health services are organized, delivered, and
financed.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
A nonprofit membership organization dedicated to addressing the needs and interests of persons
50 and older.
America's Health Insurance Plans
A national trade association representing companies providing health insurance coverage. Their
goal is to provide a unified voice for the healthcare financing industry, to expand access to
high quality, cost effective health care to all Americans, and to ensure Americans' financial
security through robust insurance markets, product flexibility and innovation, and an abundance
of consumer choice. Has lists of links to multiple health care providers.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
A Federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Programs for which
CMS is responsible include Medicare, Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program
(SCHIP), The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and Clinical
Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).
Consumers' Checkbook
A nonprofit consumer organization that provides information to help consumers get high quality
services and products at the best possible prices. Published materials are available by
subscription.
Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)
The mission of the Insurance Information Institute is to improve public understanding of
insurance -- what it does and how it works. It serves as a source of information, analysis and
referral concerning insurance. In addition the I.I.I. publishes a host of helpful pamphlets and
books.
Interests Related to Small Business
Special interests are groups within the regular business community that have some
characteristic in common. This commonality can be based on age, race, sex, economics, or any
other identifying link that is meaningful in providing mutual support in business relations.
Some groups have strong networking, supporting each other in starting and operating businesses.
Others may be disadvantaged in some way and have special economic opportunities available to
them through federal or state agencies.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
The organization of insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the
four U.S. territories. The NAIC provides a forum for the development of uniform policy when
uniformity is appropriate. A state regulator's primary responsibility is to protect the
interests of insurance consumers, and the NAIC helps regulators fulfill that obligation. That
assistance is related to the regulators' shared objectives of financial and market conduct
regulation.
National Committee for Quality Assurance
A non-profit organization whose mission is to improve health care quality everywhere. They
provide information to help decide which health plan you want to cover you, your family, or
your employees.
National Health Council
A forum for policy development, where all segments of the health care community meet for
reasoned discussion and persuasive advocacy. The Council focuses all its activities on
promoting quality health care for all people, the importance of medical research, and the role
of voluntary health agencies.
Small Business Professional
Associations
Business organizations and support groups often provide resources, education and networking.
State Business Resources
Some states provide information for small businesses on where to find needed resources. Check
out your state here to see what it might have available.
United States Department of Health & Human Services
The United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and
providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
The department includes more than 300 programs, covering a wide spectrum of activities.
