[2] The organization represents the more than 133 million people with chronic diseases and disabilities and their family caregivers.
Its activities include strengthening the work of patient advocacy organizations, developing public awareness and advocacy programs,[5] supporting health research,[6] and influencing the health care reform debate.
[15] The NHC played a key role in lobbying for health care reform legislation in 2009 and 2010.
[16] The Principles, as outlined on the NHC's website are to "Cover Everyone, Curb Costs Responsibly, Abolish Exclusions of Pre-existing Conditions, Eliminate Lifetime Caps, and Ensure Access to Long-term and End-of-life Care.
Assistant Executive Vice President James Rathlesberger aided the rebuilding of governance integrity and voluntary health agency membership growth.