NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt
May 9, 2016
How to Protect Yourself From Surprise Medical Bills
In 2016, I was interviewed by NBC Nightly News for a broadcast segment on this topic.
Vox
New York, March 2019
How New York state fought surprise medical bills — and won.
A very in-depth look into the pitfalls and holes in our healthcare system.
Video
September 2018
Surprise Medical Bills—My Story
A more detailed interview on my experience with surprise medical bills.
Out-of-Network Surprise Medical Bills
Albany, March 2014
In early 2014, I lobbied in Albany in support of legislation to curb out-of-network surprise medical bills. Endorsed by Benjamin Lawsky, the Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services, this bill would protect consumers from being billed when a specialist outside their network gets involved in their medical case.
Based on my own experience that made my life a nightmare for nearly a year, I was asked to speak on this bill’s behalf, alongside AARP, Consumer Union, the American Cancer Society and the National MS Society to advocate for this
The story was covered by the New York Times, the Albany Times Union, and by Consumers Union.
Friends Against Violence Everywhere
New York, March 2014
FAVE empowers young people to organize, speak out and spark action to bring change to America’s current gun laws. Their goals, among others, is to prevent tragedies such as Columbine, Virginia Tech, Newtown, and, most recently, Sandy Hook.
I was honored to perform with fellow musicians and activitsts
at the FAVE fundraising event in May 2014.
Hilltop Cares
In June 2012, The New York Times Magazine published a bombshell exposé: “Prep-School Predators.” In it, Horace Mann alum and reporter Amos Kamil related the results of his investigation into sexual abuse by the school’s faculty towards students in the 70s and 80s. With its coming to light in this very public forum, it opened a veritable Pandora’s box, encouraging countless survivors and witnesses to finally gather the courage and make themselves heard. A number of groups lobbied to provide help for the victims, to prosecute the perpetrators in spite of the statute of limitations, and to mediate a healing process between the school, the students and the community at large. Among these is Hilltop Cares.
Two years ago, I thought to bring Horace Mann musician alums back to the school and put together a concert as a fundraising and healing effort. To promote healing and rapprochement through music seemed an obvious fit. Under the sponsorship of Hilltop Cares, this event took place on May 14, 2016. It was so moving to see old friends and alums who hadn’t been back since graduation, especially survivors of abuse.
