BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Affordable Pennsylvania is teaming up with a coalition of advocacy groups this weekend to host a family-friendly event that mixes Halloween festivities with conversations about health care costs.
The “Monsters, Masks and Medical Bills” event will take place Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Bethlehem Area Public Library, where organizers will distribute free children’s Halloween costumes while supplies last.
Alongside the giveaway, families are invited to share their personal experiences with health care affordability and rising insurance premiums.
(Distributed / Affordable PA)
“We’re working with similar organizations to put on this community event,” said Rachele Fortier, Pennsylvania state director for Affordable Pennsylvania. “We want to elevate the voices of community members and encourage our members of Congress to take action to address rising health care costs.”
Affordable Pennsylvania is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization that educates residents on how federal policy decisions affect their everyday lives. Fortier said the group is particularly concerned about the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which helped lower health insurance costs for many Pennsylvanians.
“A lot of people are going to be seeing their health insurance premiums increase,” Fortier said. “The only way to fix this is for Congress to take action.”
In addition to the costume giveaway, the event will feature opportunities for attendees to record short stories and photos — shared with permission — to highlight the human impact of health care costs. Organizers hope these stories will help connect neighbors and bring community perspectives to policymakers and the media.
“Come for the costumes, stay for the conversation,” the event registration page reads. “Let’s turn fear into action and make health care work for everyone.”
This article was produced by Lehigh Daily as part of a paid sponsorship from Affordable Pennsylvania. Lehigh Daily maintains full editorial independence over the content.