Advocacy Decision Tree: Government or Private?

Is your issue a governmental issue or a purely private issue that is inappropriate for government intervention?

Answering these questions, may require some research. For help, go to Research tips for the decision tree.

  1. Does your issue concern a government program, e.g. Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act insurance plans? If Yes, go back to the Decision Tree
  2. If no, does your issue involve an area that is private but regulated by government, e.g. hospitals, doctors, practices of managed care organizations?

If yes, continue back to Decision Tree

  1. If no, does your issue involve an area that is private but funded by government, e.g. nursing homes, community health centers, medical schools, provider fees?

If yes, continue back to Decision Tree

  1. If no, government may still be able to help you with your private problem. For example, the State Healthcare Advocate, your legislator or another government resource may be able to lobby the private entity controlling your issue to make a change, even if government has no direct control. Go to Enforcement.

Perhaps, government should address the problem you have encountered, even if it is private. Maybe there ought to be a law. Go back to the Decision Tree, with the understanding that you may have to try several of those resources to see which will work for you.

Return to the Decision Tree