Health Care Reform
The National Health Council (NHC) harnesses the collective power of the patient community to address core 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 and their family caregivers.
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 and their family caregivers.
Health Reform
The NHC, created a list of Values to Ensure Patient-Focused Health Care Reform that guides its health care reform efforts. In its continuing effort to provide a united voice for people with chronic diseases and disabilities, the NHC sent the following letters to Congress and the White House:
The NHC, created a list of Values to Ensure Patient-Focused Health Care Reform that guides its health care reform efforts. In its continuing effort to provide a united voice for people with chronic diseases and disabilities, the NHC sent the following letters to Congress and the White House:
- NHC letter to the Senate supporting the efforts of Congress to enact meaningful health care reform that will benefit the patient community (March 24, 2010)
- NHC letter urging Congress to pass health care reform legislation (March 10, 2010)
- NHC letter urging Congress to keep working towards passing meaningful health reform that supports the NHC’s Five Principles (January 20, 2010)
- NHC letter to Congress supporting health care legislation that benefits people with chronic conditions(January 13, 2010)
Other NHC Efforts
- Comments on Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services draft guidance for implementing medicare coverage gap ("donut hole") discount program. (May 14, 2010)
- Letter urging the Senate to vote against the Sessions-McCaskill amendment imposing statutory discretionary spending caps through FY 2013 (March 15, 2010)
- Letter supporting health care reform legislation that eliminates lifetime and annual limits for all health plans (January 29, 2010)
- Letter supporting elimination of ALL limits on benefit coverage and the elimination of preexisting condition exclusions with waiting periods(January 14, 2010)
- Letter urging 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 benefitslimits in all health insurance plans (January 8, 2010)
To read more about NHC initiatives and policies visit the following pages of our website:
Health Research
Curb Costs Responsibly
Better Care
