Policy Issues
The National Health Council (NHC) harnesses the collective power of the patient community to address systemic health care issues that affect all patients. We speak with one unified voice to bring about meaningful change in such areas as support for health research, speedier development of new medications, and access to effective and affordable health care for all people. Our public policy positions reflect the broad consensus of our member organizations, which represent all segments of the health care community.
Together, we work to bring about a health care system that Puts Patients First.
Our advocacy efforts are guided by an advisory group of senior staff from patient advocacy groups. Representatives from all membership categories also help to identify priorities and develop strategies. In addition, we work with coalitions of like-minded organizations to advocate for policies that help people with chronic diseases and disabilities.
Health Reform
In its continuing effort to provide a united voice for people with chronic diseases and disabilities, the NHC has sent the following letters to Congress and the White House:
Together, we work to bring about a health care system that Puts Patients First.
Our advocacy efforts are guided by an advisory group of senior staff from patient advocacy groups. Representatives from all membership categories also help to identify priorities and develop strategies. In addition, we work with coalitions of like-minded organizations to advocate for policies that help people with chronic diseases and disabilities.
Health Reform
In its continuing effort to provide a united voice for people with chronic diseases and disabilities, the NHC has sent the following letters to Congress and the White House:
- NHC letter urging Congress to keep working towards passing meaningful health reform that supports the NHC’s Five Principles (January 20, 2010)
- Letter supporting elimination of ALL limits on benefit coverage and the elimination of preexisting condition exclusions with waiting periods(January 14, 2010)
- NHC letter to Congress supporting health care legislation that benefits people with chronic conditions(January 13, 2009)
- NHC urges Congress to end the two year wait period for Medicare (January 11, 2010)
- Letter urging Congress to pass health care legislation prohibiting lifetime and annual benefits limits in all health insurance plans (January 8, 2010)
- Letter to urge Senate to reject the provision allowing annual caps on benefits (December 15, 2009)
- NHC letter to support Senator Specter’s amendment establishing a Cures Acceleration Network (CAN) facilitating development and approval of innovative high need cures (December 15, 2009)
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NHC letter continuing support of the efforts of Congress to enact meaningful health care reform benefiting millions of people living with chronic conditions (December 9, 2009)
- NHC urges Senate to reconsider Dorgan-McCain amendment permitting reimportation of prescription drugs (December 2, 2009)
- NHC Urges the Senate to Continue Working on Health Care Reform that Benefits Patients (November 13, 2009)
- NHC signs letter requesting the Senate add provisions to health reform legislation aimed at improving patients’ adherence to medications (November 17, 2009)
- NHC letter to Congress in support of the Patient-Centered Medical Home Choices Amendment (October 29, 2009)
- NHC Letter to Senate Committees on Comparative Effectiveness Research and Delivery System Reform (September 25, 2009)
- NHC supports Provision to Eliminate Lifetime Limits on Private Insurance in HR 3200 (September 16, 2009).
- National Health Council supports legislation to cap out of pocket expenses (August 24, 2009).
- NHC supports medication adherence in health reform legislation (July, 2009)
- Message from 48 Patient Advocacy Groups to President and Congress (June 2, 2009). The text also appeared in Politico Newspaper .
NHC Values to Ensure Patient-Focused Health Care Reform
Americans with Disabilities Restoration Act
Due to several court rulings, the impact of the original Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was limited. The ADA Restoration Act clarifies the definition of disability to include those individuals who are able to manage their disease or disability. The National Health Council supported this legislation, which was signed into law on September 25, 2008.
Letter of support to Congress (June 24, 2008)
Letter of support to the President (April 18, 2008)
Position Statements
NHC Position Statement on Stem Cell Research (Adopted July 2008)
NHC Position Statement on Human Cloning (Adopted July 2001)
NHC Position Statement on Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Advertising (Adopted January 2002)
NHC White Paper on Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Advertising (Adopted January 2002)
To read more about NHC initiatives and policies visit the following areas.
Cover Everyone
Better Care
Health Research
Curb Costs Responsibly
