Public Policy at the National Health Council
The National Health Council (NHC) serves as the united voice for people with chronic diseases and disabilities and their family caregivers. The NHC Policy team leads efforts to create a more accessible, affordable, comprehensive, and sustainable health care system. Guided by the needs and insights of our diverse membership, the NHC advocates for federal policies that promote patient-centered care, drive innovation, and strengthen the nonprofit health ecosystem.
How We Set Policy Priorities
Each year, the NHC conducts a robust policy planning process rooted in member feedback and is responsive to the evolving national policy landscape. The Policy team gathers insights through an annual issue survey and ongoing member engagement. The NHC Board of Directors, in consultation with the Board Policy Committee, informs the final decisions on our policy agenda.
The policy priorities are reviewed regularly and updated to reflect emerging challenges and opportunities for impact.
2025 Policy Focus
In 2025, the NHC Policy team is advancing work in three key areas:
- Access and Affordability: The NHC advocates to protect Medicaid for nearly 80 million Americans, reduce out-of-pocket costs, prevent premium increases, support the bipartisan Safe Step Act, and extend telehealth flexibilities and reimbursement policies.
- Innovation and Research: The NHC supports robust and sustained federal investment in biomedical research and infrastructure and is working to reauthorize the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program.
- Nonprofit Sustainability: The NHC promotes the role of nonprofit patient organizations in the health ecosystem and supports policies that foster public-private partnerships, enhance data collection, and ensure the long-term viability of mission-driven health organizations.
