Longtime health advocate Ron Pollack stepping down

Ron Pollack, the head of liberal healthcare advocacy group Families USA, announced Wednesday that he is planning to step down after 33 years. 

{mosads}Pollack, the group’s founding executive director, was a driving force in passing the Affordable Care Act. 

Families USA noted in a statement that a copy of the law in the organization’s offices is inscribed by President Obama: “To Ron and Families USA – You made this happen!”

“I’ve been privileged to lead Families USA’s efforts to address social injustice by securing high-quality, affordable health care for tens of millions of uninsured Americans,” Pollack said in a statement. “I am immensely proud of all that we have accomplished, but the time has come to let a younger generation of leaders pick up this fight.”

After stepping down at the end of March 2017, Pollack will server as “chair emeritus” at the organization.

He will also continue to serve on the board of Enroll America, a group he founded that works to sign people up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. 

Families USA also noted Pollack’s work in the 1990s helping to create the Children’s Health Insurance Program and fighting Medicaid cuts. 

He says he will stay involved in the world of healthcare. 

“I may be stepping down as Executive Director, but I have no intention of stepping aside when it comes to the issues I care about so deeply,” he said.