Strengthening Health and Ending the Pandemic
CAP works to strengthen public health systems, respond to COVID-19 in equitable and sustainable ways, and improve health care coverage, access and affordability.
What We're Working On
What We're Doing
Increasing vaccination rates to end the pandemic
Vaccination is key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic and avoiding preventable illness, death, and economic loss. We promote equitable vaccine policy and leveraging governmental and employers’ power to promote vaccination and pandemic recovery.
Strengthening public health infrastructure
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed inequities and existing weaknesses in the United States’ public health infrastructure. We’re focused on improving health equity by investing in public health, addressing social and economic factors that affect health, and preparing for future health threats.
Improving access to affordable health coverage
We’re dedicated to bolstering affordable, high-quality health coverage options. By building on the Affordable Care Act, closing the Medicaid coverage gap, and innovating progressive solutions, we envision a world in which everyone can access care.
Lowering health care prices and consumer costs
Health care affordability is a top consumer concern, and prices for health care and prescription drugs are inaccessibly high for many. One of our key priorities is improving America’s health by lowering costs to ensure all people can afford to manage their health.
By the Numbers
1.9
Life expectancy fell by 1.9 years in the pandemic—8.5 times more than peer countries.
Woolf, “Effect of the covid-19 pandemic in 2020 on life expectancy across populations” (2021).
2x
The U.S. spends 2 times more as peer countries on health, with 8% lower life expectancy.
CAP, “The Declining Health of Americans” (2021).
7,000
Closing the Medicaid coverage gap would save 7,000 lives per year.
CAP, “Closing the Medicaid Coverage Gap Would Save 7,000 Lives Each Year” (2021).
2.8x
COVID hospitalized Black and Hispanic people at a rate 2.8 times higher than white people.
CDC, “Risk for COVID-19 Infection, Hospitalization, and Death by Race/Ethnicity” (2021).
Recent Work
Only Bold Action From Congress Will Solve the Child Care Crisis
Iowa Lawmakers Must Strengthen Gun Laws To Lower Rising Rates of Violence
Latest
Covid vaccine and mask mandates expose alt-right Christian hypocrisy
Maggie Siddiqi explains why in the face of a deadly pandemic, religion must not be used as an excuse to avoid lifesaving vaccination and mask requirements.
Refreshing the U.S. Strategy To End the Pandemic
The federal government can make it easier and more affordable for individuals to reduce their own COVID-19 risk and take action to support public health.
More Public Transit Can Mean More Access to Care
Emily Gee writes about how public transit can expand access to health care.
We Have the Tools to Prevent a Winter COVID Surge. It’s Time to Use Them All.
Jill Rosenthal outlines next steps that the Biden administration, state and local policymakers, and private companies should take to prevent a winter surge in COVID-19 cases.
Strategic Reengagement in the Middle East
The Biden administration can rebalance America’s policy in the Middle East through diplomacy, economic statecraft, and security cooperation—all while shifting away from direct military action.
The Build Back Better Act Would Improve Health Care and Lower Costs
The House-passed bill expands insurance coverage, reduces prescription drug costs, and makes crucial investments in maternal and public health.
Maine Provides Leadership on Religion and Vaccines
The Rev. Jane Field of the Maine Council of Churches shares her thoughts on Maine’s approach to containing COVID-19, as well as the response from religious communities in the state.
COVID-19 Vaccines: Will mandates bring the pandemic under control?
Jill Rosenthal discusses the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
Higher Minimum Wages Support Job Growth as the Economy Recovers From COVID-19
States that guarantee better pay for their workers have added more jobs in 2021 than states with lower minimum and subminimum wages.
The United States Must Advance Economic Security for Disabled LGBTQI+ Workers
Data indicate that disabled LGBTQI+ workers experience higher rates of barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment, resulting in difficulties in obtaining economic security.