District of Columbia State Planning Grant for the Uninsured In October 2003, the District of Columbia was awarded $990,000 from the US Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to develop strategies to improve access to affordable health coverage for District residents. In partnership with the Urban Institute, the Department of Health organized an advisory panel, researched expansion options, and recommended feasible approaches to expand coverage within the District of Columbia. The decision-making process for the District's State Planning Grant for the Uninsured Initiative was mediated through the Health Care Coverage Advisory Panel. The panel consisted of a well-balanced blend of health care experts and community partners from around the District. The 25 members represented health care providers, the business community, the insurance industry, health care advocates, unions, District government agencies, and the uninsured. To support the panel process and planning efforts, the Urban Institute conducted research and performed studies on the uninsured population and the insurance options available to them.  Research included an analysis of existing data, such as the Current Population Survey and the 2003 Kaiser Foundation Survey, to identify the number of uninsured and their demographics, and new research which included grant sponsored surveys, focus group panels, and an analysis of other state initiatives. In May of 2006, the Advisory Panel published its final recommendations.  The recommendations represent consensus of the Panel.  Although, members share the vision of coverage for all residents, the recommendations presented offer a more immediately feasible approach. Information on the grant remains relevant as long as the District of Columbia has residents who lack health care coverage.  Select this link for project information.