Health Law Advocates (HLA) is a 501(c)(3) public interest law firm whose mission is to provide pro bono legal representation to low-income residents experiencing difficulty accessing or paying for needed medical services. HLA is committed to ensuring universal access to quality health care in Massachusetts, particularly for those who are most at risk due to such factors as race, gender, disability, age, or geographic location. With its partner organization, Health Care For All, HLA combines legal expertise with grassroots organizing and policy reform to advance the statewide movement for universal health care access.
Representing Health Care Consumers
HLA provides high quality, free legal assistance to income-eligible Massachusetts residents having difficulty accessing health care or health insurance coverage. We also provide legal assistance to consumers with unaffordable medical debt. HLA represents individuals and litigates class-actions and impact cases.
HLA specializes in:
- Challenging denials of health insurance enrollment (commercial and public insurance)
- Fighting denials of coverage for specific health care services (commercial and public insurance)
- Protecting patients from illegal medical billing and collection practices
- Obtaining access to health care through state agencies and school systems, especially for children
Community Education and Outreach
HLA builds knowledge in communities on how to access health care. We deliver cutting-edge information to consumers, advocates and other health care system stakeholders in trainings and presentations throughout Massachusetts. Invitations from community groups for HLA educational programs are welcome. To inquire, contact Jennifer Javier at jjavier@hla-inc.org to schedule a presentation at your organization, tailored to your audience. We also author helpful publications promoting access to health care.
Policy Advocacy
HLA advocates for public policy reforms that help consumers access health care. We offer our legal expertise and experience working with consumers to policymakers on the state and federal levels and in all three branches of government. We also advocate for policy changes by health care institutions to enhance health care access. HLA conducts its policy advocacy in collaborations with other advocates.