July 1, 2004 marked the 10-year anniversary for Advocacy and Benefits Counseling (ABC) for Health, Inc.

Founded in 1994 by public interest attorney Bobby Peterson, ABC for Health is a Madison-based nonprofit public interest law firm with a statewide service area. The agency’s mission is to provide information, advocacy tools, legal services, and expert support for Wisconsin children and families, particularly those with special health care needs, to obtain, maintain, and finance health care coverage and services.

The agency’s health benefits counseling program has become a national model for training health care providers and administrators in how to assist consumers gain access to programs and benefits that they are eligible for.

ABC for Health also offers internships for law students and volunteer lawyer recruitment to increase service capacity and stimulate involvement in consumer health law. The agency conducts policy research on issues affecting our client population, and also offers publications and conferences to educate consumers and professionals about health care financing programs and strategies.

Over the past 10 years, ABC for Health has served over 13,000 families across the state; provided training to over 3000 service providers to proactively help Wisconsin families; pressed for the use Blue Cross Blue Shield conversion funds to help the uninsured in Wisconsin and secured over 7 million dollars in federal grants to support health advocacy for families in Wisconsin.

A celebration will take place on October 14, 2004, in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union, featuring a debate on health care reform, a reception, a silent auction, and entertainment provided by The Kissers.

For more information on the event, contact Maureen Fitzgerald at maureenf@safetyweb.org

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