By Allen Pinn, Manager, Policy  

As health policy changes continue to unfold in Washington, the National Health Council (NHC) is working alongside patient organizations to navigate these developments and assess what they mean for the people and communities they serve, including how federal decisions may affect state-level implementation. 

The NHC’s fourth annual Washington Representatives Summer Meeting brought together a record number of government relations and policy professionals from across NHC membership at the Barbara Jordan Conference Center in Washington, DC. Through discussions with Administration officials, coalition partners, and congressional staff, attendees explored the challenges of navigating H.R. 1, strategies for strengthening relationships with federal agencies, and the importance of sustained congressional outreach as the patient community looks ahead. 

Navigating H.R. 1 and State-Level Implementation Challenges 
Signed into law July 4, 2025, H.R. 1, commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), has garnered much attention from the patient advocate community because of its implications for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage. In response, the NHC launched the OBBBA Navigation project in November 2025 to equip NHC members with the insights, strategies, and tools to understand the law’s implications, educate stakeholders, and mitigate harm to the patient community during implementation. 

At the Washington Representatives Summer Meeting, attendees heard how H.R. 1 may impact vulnerable communities and how the NHC is responding. During a panel moderated by independent consultant Kelly Brantley, panelists representing perspectives from health law, Medicaid advocacy, and patient advocacy discussed the impending Medicaid changes and addressed concerns related to coverage losses, state budget impacts, Medicaid work requirements, pharmacy closures, and the definition of medically frail.  

Panelists included Alison Barkoff, JD, Hirsh Associate Professor of Health Law and Policy and Hirsh Program Director, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health; Claire Gollegly, Vice President of Advocacy with Reservoir Communications Group; David Machledt, PhD, Director of the Delivery Systems Practice Area at the National Health Law Program’s Washington, DC, Office; and Hannah Green, MPH, Assistant Vice President for Nationwide Policy for the American Lung Association.  Together, they shared their outlooks on H.R. 1 implementation and emphasized the importance of action plans targeting Congress, CMS, and states. 

Strengthening Dialogue with Federal Agencies 
Engagement with federal agencies remains essential for the patient advocacy community, particularly as organizations work to maintain coverage and support effective implementation of new policies. NHC CEO Randy Rutta moderated a panel featuring Joe Albanese, Director of Policy, Center for Medicare and Amy Comstock Rick, JD, Associate Director for Rare Disease Strategy, CDER and Director of Strategic Coalitions, FDA Rare Disease Innovation Hub. The discussion focused on the Administration’s health care priorities and opportunities for collaboration between federal agencies and the patient community.  NHC members emphasized the importance of incorporating perspectives of patients and caregivers when shaping and implementing policies to support stronger, more patient-centered care.  

Sustaining Congressional Engagement 
With voting for the 2026 midterm elections approaching, a series of fireside chats with congressional staff underscored the importance of sustained engagement with lawmakers. Across the discussions, speakers representing both chambers of Congress and both parties addressed patient priorities including affordability, access to care, and innovation, while noting the limited legislative calendar available to advance these issues. 

Speakers included Max Seltzer, Health Policy Director for Sen. Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS); Polly Webster, Senior Counsel, Health, Senate Finance Committee; Amy Hall, Minority Staff Director of the Subcommittee on Health, U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means; Davis Michols, Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Rep. H. Morgan Griffith (R-VA); and Jaime Varela, Professional Staff Member, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Together, they emphasized the need for patient organizations to continue engaging congressional leaders and sharing patient stories, particularly in a challenging legislative environment. 

Moving Forward with the Patient Community 
As the third quarter of 2026 begins, the NHC remains focused on working alongside patient organizations to navigate the federal and state policy issues shaping access, affordability, and patient-centered care. The conversations from the Washington Representatives Summer Meeting will continue through the NHC’s ongoing engagement with CMS, patient-focused roundtables on the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, user fee amendment stakeholder discussions, and other timely policy activities.  

To keep the conversation going, join NHC Policy Connect and save the date for the 2026 Washington Representatives Retreat, Nov. 19–20 in Annapolis, MD.