Our advocacy work

We advocate for improved healthcare access, equity, and affordability for all so that people can live the lives they deserve.

We are driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to affordable, equitable healthcare.

The PAN Foundation advocates for improved healthcare access, affordability, and equity for all so that people can live the lives they deserve.

According to a 2024 Kaiser Family Foundation poll, about half of U.S. adults report that it is difficult to afford healthcare costs, and one in four say they or a family member had problems paying for healthcare in the past 12 months.

Our research underscores these findings: access to care is challenging for nearly everyone in the U.S., but especially difficult for communities from historically marginalized groups, including people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, women, and younger people. Alongside patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and partners, we champion long-term solutions for patients through advocacy, patient-centered research, and education.

Our advocacy priorities

Man holding a microphone talking at a PAN advocacy event
  • Advancing health equity
  • Lowering out-of-pocket costs
  • Reforming Medicare
  • Expanding commercial insurance access
  • Improving the healthcare system

Our advocacy approach

We take action to advocate for improved healthcare access and affordability through online campaigns and opportunities to tell patient-centered stories. With our partners and allies, we provide policy recommendations to key stakeholders—including federal agencies, Congress, and the administration.

Our patient-centered research

We conduct patient-centered research through surveys and polling on topics related to healthcare access and affordability, bringing to light the real challenges patients face today.

Center for Patient Research

The Center for Patient Research at the PAN Foundation provides insights into the diverse needs of patients as they navigate the healthcare system and challenges accessing affordable, equitable care. Through rigorous methodologies, our Center for Patient Research aims to understand the challenges faced by patients, translate these findings into actionable knowledge for key stakeholders and policymakers, and help inform policies that lead to accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare for all.

Woman in glasses

National polling and surveys

We work with national polling partners and conduct our own surveys to gain insight into the challenges that patients face to identify needs for new programs and to guide policy solutions. Explore our national polling and survey work.

Our education initiatives

Educating patients, healthcare professionals, and advocates about key healthcare policies is a cornerstone of our work. This includes developing easy-to-understand guides and explainer videos, hosting webinars, and partnering with other organizations on topics such as:

  • Everything you need to know about Medicare reforms
  • Alternative funding programs (AFPs)
  • Copay accumulators and maximizers
  • Clinical trials
  • Patient financial assistance
  • Health equity

Our partnerships

Cancer patient flexes her arm in show of strength

We work with leading patient advocacy and support groups to advocate for policy solutions that improve healthcare access, affordability, and equity. Explore our partnerships with like-minded coalitions and organizations. Learn about our alliance partners—national patient advocacy organizations committed to extending PAN’s services by helping patients and providers. Contact us to discuss how you can collaborate with PAN.