In the 8 years since forming, CQC has fought for patients’ access to affordable, high-quality care

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This month, Consumers for Quality Care (CQC) marks its eighth anniversary as a leading voice for patients navigating the complex U.S. health care system. To commemorate this milestone, CQC unveiled a refreshed website that highlights the organization’s ongoing commitment to elevating patient stories and advocating for health care that works for the people it serves.

Since its founding in 2017, CQC has consistently put patients first—exposing predatory hospital billing practices, shedding light on surprise insurance costs, and pushing for policies that prioritize consumers’ needs. 

CQC has launched critically important tools for consumers, including the #HospitalFails Nonprofit Hospital Scorecards for all 50 states and Washington, D.C., which revealed that nonprofit hospitals across the country—which claim tax-exempt status—are prioritizing profits over care. These scorecards compile data to shed light on how nonprofit hospitals routinely engage in predatory billing practices, deny charity care to low-income patients, and contribute to the medical debt crisis through a lack of price transparency. With every state earning a failing grade, the campaign has underscored the urgent need for systemic reform in hospital accountability. 

CQC has also convened thought leaders and policymakers for ‘Profits Over Patients,’ an event hosted with The Hill, which included a screening of the documentary InHospitable and a panel of leading voices in health care advocacy. The event drew attention to the troubling ways nonprofit hospitals have adopted business-first strategies—leaving vulnerable patients with unaffordable bills and inadequate care.

In partnership with health policy experts at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, CQC released an Advocate’s Guide to Standardized Health Plans—a first-of-its-kind resource to help patient advocates engage in the design of health insurance plans that promote affordability and equity. Accompanied by a live virtual event featuring the guide’s authors, the initiative equips consumer advocates with the tools and insights they need to push for health plan structures that better serve patients.

CQC’s work has brought the real-life experiences of patients to the forefront of the health care debate, ensuring that those most impacted have a seat at the table.

“Our health care system should never lose sight of the people it is meant to serve,” said Dr. Donna M. Christensen, CQC Board Member and former U.S. Congresswoman. “For eight years, Consumers for Quality Care has fought to amplify patient voices and hold powerful institutions accountable. With this new website and continued advocacy, we’re ready to tackle the challenges ahead and work toward a more just and equitable health care system.”

The newly launched website offers an updated look and improved accessibility to CQC’s key resources, reports, and patient stories. It serves as a hub for community engagement, partner collaboration, and policy updates as the organization enters its next chapter of impact.

CQC invites patients, advocates, policymakers, and the public to explore the new site at https://consumers4qualitycare.org and join the conversation using #8YearsOfCQC on social media.