With the threatened repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a surprising source is emerging as the nation’s largest pool of philanthropic dollars for health: health conversion foundations. Together, 228 conversion foundations represent some $27.5 billion of assets, according to our estimates.

What’s more, conversion foundations are already often the largest health funders in their geographic area, dispensing more than $1.3 billion a year, based on our research, to enhance the health and well-being of mostly low-income Americans and patching a fraying safety net in the process.

The enormous and growing assets of conversion foundations don’t automatically translate into a healthier America, of course. But many make a real effort to address the most important health and wellness needs in their communities.

There’s also a role for influencing policy and for advocacy. “We don’t replace government funding,” explained Sandman of the New York State Health Foundation, “but we can push the state.”

Given their resources and close connection to local communities, health conversion foundations appear well-positioned to work with health systems and community-based organizations where federal dollars and the safety nets they fund are at risk. What’s more, the local innovations they fund, sometimes addressing root causes of ill health in the community, can serve as exemplars for the national dialogue.

Read the source article at Health Affairs