As Congress and the Administration advance and implement health care policies that could reshape access to care, affordability, public health, research, and innovation, the National Health Council (NHC) is working to ensure the needs of patients and caregivers remain at the center of health policy decisions. From federal budget negotiations to broader legislative and regulatory action, decisions made in Washington have an impact on people with chronic diseases and disabilities, the organizations that serve them, and the systems that support their care. 

In this moment of significant policy activity, the NHC is highlighting its key priorities, grounded in our mission of Putting Patients First. These priorities . These priorities reflect our commitment to improving the lives of the 160 million people living with chronic diseases and disabilities and their family caregivers. 

Together, these priorities form the NHC’s 2026 Policy Matrix, which helps guide our advocacy across federal budget, legislative, and regulatory activity. Our three primary areas of activity are access and affordability; research and innovation; and nonprofit sustainability.  

Access and Affordability: 
The NHC remains focused on preserving access to comprehensive and affordable coverage. In 2026, this includes work to protect the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid. As H.R. 1—also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act —is implemented, the NHC will work with stakeholders to minimize and mitigate any disruptions to care.  

In November 2025, the NHC launched the OBBBA Navigation Project to equip NHC members with the insights, strategies, and tools to understand OBBBA’s implications, educate stakeholders, and mitigate harm to the patient community during implementation. The project will outline opportunities where the NHC and its members can most effectively help the patient community navigate OBBBA implementation and reduce potential disruptions to care. The NHC with its project affiliates will then work together to create action agendas that target CMS, Congress, and states during OBBBA implementation.  

Other significant access and affordability issues the NHC is continuing to prioritize in 2026 include PBM reforms, utilization management (step therapy and prior authorization), most favored nation proposals, tariffs, and drug pricing. 

Research and Innovation:  
The development of new treatments and cures is central to the NHC’s work on research and innovation. With proposed federal budget cuts threatening the research ecosystem that makes medical progress possible, the NHC is continuing to support sustained investment in biomedical research and policies that help ensure innovation reflects the needs and experiences of patients and caregivers. 

This work includes advocating for lifesaving biomedical research through coalitions such as United for Cures, a collaborative network of patient advocacy organizations. The NHC also is urging more involvement of patients and caregivers in key federal programs and processes such as the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program and the user fee agreements.  

The NHC has been actively engaged in the ongoing PDUFA VIII stakeholder consultation process. Through participating in FDA-hosted public stakeholder meetings and related discussions, the NHC has emphasized the importance of maintaining a well-resourced and scientifically rigorous FDA while ensuring that regulatory innovation remains patient-centered, transparent, and responsive to the needs of individuals with chronic diseases and disabilities.  

Nonprofit Sustainability: The long-term viability of the nonprofit sector is vital to the patient community. The NHC is continuing to partner with our patient and partner of patient organizations to safeguard key funding streams. This includes advocating policies that protect the ability of patient organizations to serve their communities, sustain operations, and participate meaningfully in health policy discussions. 

How Our Priorities are Developed:  
The policy matrix is designed in coordination with the Board of Directors and Board Policy Committee, who receive input from our member organizations. NHC member organizations share their feedback throughout the year with the NHC’s policy team via the monthly Government Relations Action Team meeting, NHC Connect, an annual issue survey, and various NHC member engagement meetings such as the Washington Representatives Summer Meeting and Washington Representatives Retreat.  

Moving Forward 
As 2026 enters its second half, the NHC remains focused on protecting patient access, responding to emerging policy threats, and advancing solutions that reflect the needs of the patient community.