By: Allen Pinn, Manager, Policy  

Coverage gaps, high treatment costs, and administrative barriers can compound one another, delaying care or putting it out of reach for many patients. Addressing these challenges requires looking across policy issues and identifying where patient advocates can work together to drive change. 

On Nov. 19 and 20 the National Health Council (NHC) will bring policy, advocacy, regulatory, and government affairs professionals together in Annapolis, Maryland, for the 2026 Washington Representatives Retreat. Taking place just weeks after the midterm elections, the meeting offers an opportunity to assess this year’s policy developments and what the next Congress could mean for patients. Attendees will learn from colleagues and identify where the patient community can act together in 2027. 

Across the two days, sessions will explore the impact of H.R. 1 implementation, policies affecting treatment affordability, and the challenges of bringing scientific advances from research to patient care. Speakers will examine what these developments mean for patients and where advocates can work together to address barriers to care. 

NHC CEO Randy Rutta and Senior Vice President of Policy and External Affairs Jennifer Dexter will open the meeting with a look at the NHC’s progress in 2026, opportunities for year-end advocacy, and the work ahead.  

Program highlights include a discussion with advocates working in states about emerging coverage challenges under H.R. 1 and strategies to protect patients’ access to care. Table discussions will give attendees time to compare experiences, exchange resources, and consider how the NHC and its members can support one another. 

Joan Alker, Executive Director of Georgetown University’s Center for Children and Families, will offer a data-driven look at rising health care costs and gaps in coverage and access. Her session will explore what patients and caregivers are experiencing and potential policy approaches to addressing those challenges. 

An interactive workshop will bring these conversations together, giving attendees the opportunity to set a policy agenda for 2027 together, maximizing the impact of the patient advocacy community. Attendees will consider which issues need shared attention and how organizations can coordinate their advocacy in the next Congress. 

Back by popular demand, David Wasserman, Senior Editor and Elections Analyst at The Cook Political Report, will deliver the closing keynote. He will break down the midterm results and what the next Congress could mean for health care policy and the patient community’s work in 2027. 

Join your NHC colleagues in Annapolis to contribute your experience, work through shared challenges, and prepare for the year ahead. Registration closes Nov. 6. To secure hotel accommodations, register by Oct. 29. Explore the agenda and register. 

For registration or logistics questions, contact Racquel Codling, the NHC’s senior director of meetings and events. For programming questions, contact Jennifer Dexter. 

The Washington Representatives Retreat is designed for policy, advocacy, regulatory, and government affairs professionals at all career stages from NHC member patient organizations and partners of patient organizations.  

NHC business and industry members and non-member for-profit organizations may participate through event sponsorship.