Engaging with Policy Leaders to Shape Healthcare
HLC connects healthcare leaders directly with lawmakers to drive meaningful policy change. Through strategic Congressional engagement and targeted advocacy, we ensure the industry’s perspectives contribute to critical decisions while advocating for policy solutions that strengthen our health system.
Connecting Leaders, Shaping Policy
HLC creates high-impact opportunities for member executives to engage directly with Congressional leaders and Administration officials. Through exclusive site tours, thought leadership events, and strategic roundtables, we facilitate meaningful dialogue that brings industry expertise to the forefront of policy development. These targeted engagements strengthen vital relationships while ensuring that policymakers are informed of the real-world impacts across the spectrum when crafting legislation and regulations.
Advocacy Updates
Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) made public health the center of attention during HLC’s Cocktails & Conversation event. While much of the healthcare debate in Washington is focused on Medicare, Medicaid, and prescription drug costs, the Congresswoman emphasized that improving health also means strengthening the healthcare workforce, reducing maternal mortality, expanding access to dental care, addressing healthcare deserts, and treating gun violence as a public health issue.
"Affordability resonates with everyone." That message echoed throughout HLC’s Coffee & Conversation with Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA) and HLC members. Rep. Sánchez shared her perspective on Democrats’ healthcare priorities as the conversation moved from drug pricing reform and Affordable Care Act subsidies to artificial intelligence, Alzheimer's disease, and the future of Medicare.
Fraud, waste, and abuse – three words that came up often as Gable Brady, Policy Advisor to House Republican Leader Steve Scalise spoke to HLC members. With Congress just days away from August recess, we discussed what might happen before they leave Washington, as well as Republican healthcare priorities for the remainder of the year.
During this Confidentiality Coalition lunch meeting, we welcomed both HLC alumnus Matthew Thomas, Counsel for the Senate HELP Committee majority, and Dante Cutrona, Chief of Staff to Congressman John Joyce, M.D.
We were pleased to welcome Davis Michols, Deputy Chief of Staff & Legislative Director for Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA-9), to discuss healthcare transparency and affordability initiatives, moving public health legislation and FDA reforms through the Energy & Commerce Committee, and more.
Wearables, remote monitoring, AI, workforce shortages. There was no shortage of important healthcare topics during our conversation with Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH-12) at HLC.
HLC reconnected with Catherine Hayes, Executive Director of the GOP Doctors Caucus, during an HLC Legislative Lunch. The discussion covered a range of healthcare priorities and current policy topics.
We were pleased to host Rep. Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC-3), for a candid discussion on some of the biggest issues facing healthcare today.
HLC’s Confidentiality Coalition convened a timely discussion with senior leaders from ONC on the future of health IT and data policy, including Steven Posnack, Principal Deputy National Coordinator for Health IT, and Elise Sweeney Anthony, Deputy National Coordinator for Health IT and Executive Director, Office of Programs and Implementation.
On May 14, we hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill examining how artificial intelligence is already transforming healthcare delivery.
We were pleased to welcome both Lizzy Letter, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Mariah Baker, Health Legislative Assistant for Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) to an HLC Legislative Lunch.
On the first day the House returned from recess, HLC was pleased to host Jay Gulshen, Chief Counsel for the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health (Majority), for Legislative Lunch.
HLC's membership had the chance to hear from Christiana Nulty, Health Policy Advisor for Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD). Against the backdrop of ongoing government funding discussions, Nulty outlined Senate Republican healthcare priorities and shared insight into how leadership is approaching the current policy environment.
We welcomed Lizzy Burke, Legislative Assistant for Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), back for a conversation with our members on several Senate Democratic healthcare priorities.
We were pleased to welcome Matt Gallivan, Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions. Gallivan shared insights on upcoming bipartisan opportunities across issues central to HLC’s mission.
Our 2026 Legislative Lunch series kicked off with special guest Drew Keyes, Senior Policy Advisor to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Calling in from his home district in California, Dr. Bera discussed his top priorities and areas where he sees opportunities for bipartisan agreement emerging as Congress considers an end of year healthcare package.
With the government shutdown in its third week, and the impact on healthcare becoming increasingly evident, our member representatives met to explore the effects on patients, providers, and federal programs that support care and innovation.
Ahead of the government shutdown, we were grateful to host Una Lee, Chief Counsel for the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee (Minority).
As part of our Membership Meeting, HLC members and staff fanned out across Capitol Hill to advocate for action on key issues.
Amidst the 2025 government funding debate, our member representatives met with Dominique Yelinski, Deputy Policy Director for House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, on Republican priorities in the House.
The HLC team met with White House staff in July to discuss the Administration’s top healthcare priorities. They discussed how HLC members are advancing shared goals and more.
Our member representatives met with Catherine Hayes, the first Executive Director of the House GOP Doctors Caucus, to discuss the Caucus’s healthcare priorities.
After the reconciliation legislation passage, we heard from Lizzy Burke, Legislative Assistant to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Between the House passage of the reconciliation bill and Committee hearings, we heard from Jay Gulshen, Chief Counsel, House Committee on Energy and Commerce (Majority).
HLC hosted U.S. Congressman John Joyce (R-PA) for a Coffee & Conversation gathering at our office, to continue connecting with key Congressional leaders.
Advancing Patient Access in U.S. Healthcare Policy
HLC drives policy solutions that expand access, elevate care quality, and harness private sector innovation to shape the future of U.S. healthcare.
Letters & Comments
HLC drives policy change through strategic letters, comments, and reports that promote private-sector innovation. Focused on priorities like Medicare Advantage, cybersecurity, and value-based care, HLC engages with lawmakers and agencies to shape the future of the U.S. healthcare system.
HLC letter to CMS in response to the Medicaid Community Engagement Requirement for Certain Individuals Interim Final Rule with Comment Period
The letter supports CMS' efforts to streamline verification of Medicaid community engagement requirements through automated, data-driven processes while expressing concern that manual verification of exemptions will increase administrative burden an…
HLC group letter urging Congress to extend CISA 2015 in the upcoming continuing resolution
HLC joined a coalition of leading trade associations in calling on Congress to extend the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA 2015) in the upcoming continuing resolution. The letter underscores the importance of preserving voluntary …
Group letter to HHS in response to proposed Healthy People 2030 Social Determinants of Health research objective
HLC joined the Healthy Aging Coalition in submitting comments supporting a proposed Healthy People 2030 objective focused on evaluating how referrals to community-based, non-clinical services affect health outcomes. The letter urges HHS to prioritiz…
News & Updates
With a unified voice spanning the entire healthcare continuum, HLC’s latest activities are driving meaningful policy change to enhance the future of the U.S. healthcare system.
HLC Applauds Unanimous House Committee Vote to Advance MA Prior Authorization Reform
Healthcare Leadership Council President and CEO Maria Ghazal released the following statement after the House Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved H.R. 3514, the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act:"In today's Washington, unanimous…
A Stronger Nursing Workforce Starts with Access to Education
More than a century ago, Florence Nightingale, known as the “Lady with the Lamp,” redefined nursing by insisting on careful observation and high-quality care - laying the foundation for modern standards. Her greatest achievement was transforming nur…
HLC Leader Responds to White House Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence Innovation, Security
The Healthcare Leadership Council issued the following statement from President and CEO Maria Ghazal in response to the White House Executive Order, "Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security":"While artificial intelligence …
Questions?
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