The Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL) and Legal Assistance Foundation's (LAF) Young Professionals Board cohosted "The Healing Lawyer: Bringing the Affordable Care Act to Communities in Need" panel on October 14.
The panel consisted of two attorneys from LAF who work with those positively affected by the Affordable Care Act (ACA): Carrie Chapman, director of the public benefits group, and Alice Setrini, medical legal partnership project supervisory attorney. The conversation was moderated by David Rodriguez, clinical instructor of the Poverty Law Clinic and director of the Third Year in Practice Program.
Chapman and Setrini discussed how those living in poverty have specifically benefitted from the ACA and how access to healthcare has helped open doors to healthier communities, breeding more economically and socially stable communities. They also described how LAF has identified and pursued implementation issues surrounding ACA and the importance and growth of medical-legal partnerships. Chapman and Setrini then offered tips for lawyers interested in helping, such as familiarizing oneself with resources under the ACA now available to clients, directing clients to the ACA marketplace website and helping clients fill out applications.
The event was cosponsored by the Jaharis Health Law Institute, the Public Interest Law Association, and the Pro Bono and Community Service Initiative.