NCHC supports improving the affordability of the health care system for all stakeholders, including consumers, payers, and businesses. Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) increased coverage, there are still gaps. The current health infrastructure is not equipped to address coverage gaps, under-insurance, and increasing hospital prices. However, the Coalition has created a comprehensive set of policy recommendations for Medicare, Medicaid, and the commercial market that prioritize improving the market-based health care system. The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of taking bold and bipartisan action to improve affordability and access.
Recent publications from NCHC on this topic:
NCHC Statement on CARES 2.0 Act
July 28, 2020, NCHC Staff
Yesterday, negotiations over a fourth major COVID-19 relief package began in earnest after the Senate released the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools (HEALS) Act. The National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC) applauds some elements of the bill, including critical funding for schools and nursing homes, which is necessary for both our economic recovery and protecting those most vulnerable to the novel coronavirus. However, the Coalition urges Congress to consider more comprehensive policies that will address the full damage and inequities. caused by the public health emergency.
Read the full statement here.
NCHC Issues Statement on the President’s FY2021 Budget Proposal
February 11, 2020, John Rother
The National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC) President John Rother issued a statement in response to President Trump’s FY 2021 budget request on February 11, 2020.
Rother stated, “the President’s proposal, while only a framework for Congress’ consideration, establishes the priorities of the Administration. NCHC is concerned that the priorities of the Administration do not serve public health and do not align with the mission of the Coalition.”
The full statement can be found here.
NCHC Announces Strategic Partnership to Advance Goal of Affordable Health Care in the U.S.
November 7, 2019, NCHC Staff
Washington, DC – Today, the National Coalition on Health Care (NCHC), an alliance of national health care provider, purchaser, labor, payer and consumer organizations, announced a new strategic partnership with Healthsperien, LLC, a leading Washington, D.C.-based health policy consulting firm. The organizations will work alongside each other to advance NCHC’s mission of achieving quality, affordable health care for all in the U.S. The new partnership will expand the Coalition’s breadth and depth of expertise to support a new vision of affordability at the intersection of quality and innovation.
Read the full statement here.
NCHC 2019 State Legislative Summary
August 2, 2019, NCHC Staff
Governors and state legislatures have been taking action in 2019 to lower health care costs and promote affordable coverage options for their residents. We reviewed 2019 state legislation and executive actions, and highlight some of the boldest approaches to lower drug, provider, and health insurance costs.
Please click here to read the report in its entirety.
NCHC Writes Letter to Senator Alexander on Health Care Costs
March 5, 2019, NCHC Staff
On February 28th, NCHC wrote a letter to the Senate HELP Committee addressed to Senator Alexander. The letter was in response to a request from Senator Alexander asking for policy recommendations to address the rising costs of health care.
You can read the entire letter here.
NCHC Comments on Medicare Advantage Telehealth Benefits
January 8, 2019, NCHC Staff
On December 31st, 2018, the National Coalition on Health Care commented on CMS’ requirements for Medicare Advantage plans that offer additional telehealth benefits. NCHC noted that the “current limitations on the use of telehealth services are antiquated,” pointing to the fact that it was estimated that only 0.25 percent of Medicare beneficiaries were able to utilize telehealth services in 2016. Additionally, NCHC noted that the Veterans Administration (VA), has historically been able to benefit substantially from the use of telehealth care.
To read the full letter and the commentary in its entirety, you can click here.
For Immediate Release: Statement on Texas v. U.S. Decision
December 17, 2018, NCHC Staff
The National Coalition on Health Care released a statement regarding the Federal District Court Decision in Texas v. U.S. on December 17, 2018.
The highly flawed Texas court ruling threatens to increase costs for almost every American at the individual level, as no cost preventive benefits, lifetime limits and out-of-pocket limits would disappear. For taxpayers and all those who pay premiums, tools to bring more generic drugs to market, to pay smarter for hospital and other care, to require the wealthy to pay more to keep Medicare solvent, and to demand that information be shared and used to improve care and value for patients would all disappear.
Click here to read the full statement.
NCHC Releases Major Health Care Affordability Report
July 10, 2018, NCHC Staff
At a July 10th Capitol Hill event, the National Coalition on Health Care, an alliance of leading health care provider, purchaser, payer and consumer organizations, released a new report, Strategies for Improving the Affordability of High-Quality Health Care and Coverage. The report explores the affordability crisis in American health care, identifies health cost drivers and outlines options to address them.
Click here to read the full report.
Medical, Consumer, Insurer Groups Call for Immediate Individual Market Stabilization Package
March 12, 2018, NCHC Staff
NCHC was joined on the letter by AARP, the Healthcare Leadership Council (a coalition of healthcare CEOs), and an array of other business, health plan, medical, nursing, pension fund, provider, faith and consumer organizations.
The letter and full signatory list can be found here and below.