U.S. PIRG’s Jesse O’Brien Awarded ‘Health Care Value Advocate of Year’

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 -- The U.S. Public Interest Research Group issued the following news release:

Today, US PIRG Health Care Advocate Jesse O'Brien was awarded "Health Care Value Advocate of the Year," in recognition of his years of leadership advocating for policies and strategies to improve the value proposition of health care for consumers. The award, from the national health care advocacy organization Families USA, is given annually at their Health Action conference in Washington, DC.

The award recognizes Jesse's work at the state level in Oregon, where he has led OSPIRG's Health Insurance Rate Watch program--which has helped cut over $280 million from health insurance premiums for Oregon consumers--and helped pass legislation to protect consumers, including a new law banning surprise out-of-network medical bills. It also recognizes Jesse's work on behalf of consumers nationwide, working with state PIRGs across the country to preserve critical health care consumer protections and push for action at the state level to contain costs and improve quality of care, including efforts to address rising prescription drug costs and enhance scrutiny for health insurance rate hikes.

"Jesse has long been recognized as a leader, not just in Oregon, but on the national level for his leadership in fighting for health care affordability and value," said Patrick Willard, a senior director at Families USA. "His efforts to make health care affordable for people in Oregon and across the country, despite a difficult national political climate, reflect our theme this year to honor those who stay strong for America's families."