Families USA Annual ConferenceJanuary 23, 2014

Stories Work,But Where are They?

Challenges &Opportunities

the evolving story around the ACA frequently focuses on policy instead of the people its helping

opportunities

challenge

situation

to share the diverse stories of people in your community who are positively impacted by the ACA

to find trustworthy people willing share their experiences enrolling in—and getting care through—the ACA

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tactics form relationships with on-the-ground partners collect stories that showcase the diversity of your community share the stories to spread the word

to establish a diverse range of people in your community that can be relied on to talk to the media and other community members about their experiences to dispel myths and fears

strategies

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How to start?

Finding stories

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• Direct consumer contact• Community partners• Personal connections• Navigators• Small stipends or gift cards• Online

• Social media• Website submissions

Relationships: The most important thing

• Cultivate trust• Open conversations• Focus on listening• Ongoing interactions• Ask, don’t assume• Thank after interactions

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What makes a good story?

Digging into stories

• Making people comfortable• Find mutually convenient time to speak • Smile, even if conversation is on phone• No distractions—for you or the person

• Guiding the conversation• Explain why you are gathering stories• Ask them to share their story• Use open ended questions• Continue with probing questions

• Asking feeling questions, not just fact-based • How did that make you feel? • What was the first thought that popped in your mind?

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What makes a good story?

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• Truthfulness of speaker• Strengths of the speaker

• Are they comfortable speaking and answering questions?

• Do they have a heavy accent?

• Engaging story• Clear narrative• Health needs that are addressed• Security through financial help• Personal life: family, career, student, goals

Details matter

• Health-related• Surgery, medicine and doctor access• Cost points and comparisons• Ongoing care• Have they used new plan yet

• Personal demographics• Race, age, citizenship• Income to verify subsidy

• Confirming specifics• Plan name and level• Premium, deductible, out-of-pocket costs

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Basic vetting

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• Name, town and general sense of age to start• Confirm subsidy (range is fine)

• Kaiser Family Foundation’s subsidy calculator• State exchange website or HealthCare.gov

• Google and Google News• Search for name in quotes, ex: “John Smith”• Look for past media appearances

• Social media• Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Personal blogs

• FEC and followthemoney.org for campaign donations

Sarah Wilkinson, GMMBsarah.wilkinson@gmmb.com

Thank you!