Press Releases

National Alliance Releases Findings on Employer Perspectives and Recommendations to Curb the High Cost of Drugs

 

60% of employers indicated that drug and medical spending is costly and unsustainable

 

WASHINGTON – Jan. 8, 2020 – Faced with increasing prescription drug costs over the last several years, employers have been challenged with finding the best approach to this complex issue. The most common strategy used to manage these expenses has been group purchasing (currently 40%). Leading strategies that will be considered in the future are fully transparent pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) (55%), outcomes-based contracting (48%), reference-based pricing (44%) and custom exclusions from drug formulary (38%). 

The Path Forward for Mental Health and Substance Use Names Eight Regions to Spearhead Employer Efforts to Improve Access to Effective Care

 

WASHINGTON – December 11, 2019 – The national steering committee for The Path Forward for Mental Health and Substance Use – National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, American Psychiatric Association (APA), American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF) Center for Workplace Mental Health and Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute – has selected eight locations across the nation to implement its multi-stakeholder transformative initiative.

Cigna, Geisinger and Health Net Recognized by National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions with 2019 eValue8™ Innovation Award

 

WASHINGTON – Nov. 20, 2019 – The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, a nonprofit organization of purchaser-led business and health coalitions, honored Cigna, Geisinger Health System and Health Net, LLC with its 2019 eValue8™ Innovation Award.

The Walt Disney Company and Brakebush Brothers Honored by National Alliance for Efforts to Improve Healthcare Delivery System

Employers’ Forum of Indiana received membership award for coalition leadership

 

WASHINGTON – Nov. 12, 2019 – The Walt Disney Company and Brakebush Brothers, Inc. were awarded the 2019 Employer/Purchaser Excellence Award by the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions at its Annual Forum today. Employers’ Forum of Indiana was recognized with the 2019 Membership Leadership Award. These organizations were celebrated for efforts to improve quality and efficiency of the healthcare delivery system, employee engagement – and ultimately health.

To Combat the Mental Health & Substance Use Public Health Crisis Employer, Physician and Policy Groups Partner

 The Path Forward for Mental Health and Substance Use will improve access to effective care

 

WASHINGTON – Nov. 12, 2019 – Rates of suicide and drug-related deaths are at record levels.  This crisis is being exacerbated by inadequate access to care for mental health and substance use for Americans across the country. To realign market forces to focus on a more sustainable approach and ensure affordable access to high value, effective treatment, a group of influential non-profits announced a partnership to implement The Path Forward for Mental Health and Substance Use.

Employers: House and Senate Proposals Move Us Closer to Prescription Drug Cost Relief for Patients and Employers

 

WASHINGTON – Nov. 5, 2019 – Employers’ Prescription for Affordable Drugs (EmployersRx) issued this statement in conjunction with the ongoing debate of the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 (H.R. 3), the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act (S. 2543), the Lower Healthcare Costs Act (S. 1895), and other legislation proposed by both parties in the US House of Representatives and Senate aimed at reining in the costs of prescription drugs. EmployersRx is a coalition made up of the Pacific Business Group on Health, The ERISA Industry Committee, and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions.

National Alliance Announces Speakers for Annual Forum: Employers Driving Innovation, Health and Value

Benefits leaders from American Airlines, General Motors, Southwire, State of TN, US Steel and Walmart among event’s headliners

WASHINGTON – October 15, 2019 – The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions will convene many of the nation's top healthcare thought leaders at its 2019 Annual Forum, being held November 11-13, 2019 at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington.

National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions Joins in Launching Employers’ Prescription for Affordable Drugs

 

WASHINGTON – October 9, 2019 – The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (National Alliance) is pleased to join the Pacific Business Group on Health (PBGH) and the ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) in launching Employers’ Prescription for Affordable Drugs (EmployersRx). The coalition will mobilize large employers to drive down drug costs by advocating for policies that will strengthen market forces and increase competition as part of a value-based health care system.

Expanding Reach Across US, Three New Members Join the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions

 

WASHINGTON – September 12, 2019 – The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions welcomes the addition of three new members: the Alabama Employer Health Consortium, the Connecticut Business Group on Health and the NH Purchasers Group on Health. National Alliance members represent more than 12,000 employers/purchasers and 45 million Americans, spending over $300 billion annually on healthcare. These organization serve as leaders in their cities, counties, states and regions and are involved in education and networking, community collaboration, quality improvement and public reporting efforts.

National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions Elects New Board Officers


WASHINGTON – July 15, 2019 – The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions announced its slate of new officers for the Board of Governors. Officers are elected by their board peers based on proven leadership and commitment to the National Alliance, as well as their efforts to advance and strengthen value-based purchasing strategies.

Almost 80% of Employers Consider Mental Health Important to Management Strategy per National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions Survey


WASHINGTON – April 23, 2019 – Nearly all (99%) purchasers/employers agree that the mental health of their employees is directly linked to the overall performance of the organization. This is among the findings of a survey on mental health attitudes and strategies of employers across the country conducted by the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions.

National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions Releases Roadmap for Employers to Improve Cancer Care and Costs

Comprehensive health plan assessment offers strategies to drive better value and outcomes and reduce waste to support oncology patients

 

WASHINGTON – Jan. 7, 2019 – While cancer deaths have been declining since the early 1990s, costs have continued to increase with more than $147 billion spent for cancer care in the United States in 2017. Despite these rising costs, employers and health plans have been reticent to manage oncology care and are also faced with keeping pace with technology and treatment advances. To help purchasers drive better value and outcomes and reduce waste in cancer care, the non-profit National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (National Alliance) released an assessment of how health plans are currently managing cancer for their employees and families.

UnitedHealth Group Recognized by National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions with 2018 eValue8™ Innovation Award

 

WASHINGTON – Dec. 5, 2018 – The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (National Alliance), a nonprofit organization of purchaser-led business and health coalitions, honored UnitedHealth Group with the 2018 eValue8™ Innovation Award.

 

Walmart Honored by National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions for Efforts to Improve Healthcare Delivery System

Florida Health Care Coalition & Kentuckiana Health Collaborative also recognized for leadership efforts

WASHINGTON – Nov. 13, 2018 – Walmart was presented with the 2018 Employer/Purchaser Excellence Award by the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (National Alliance) at its annual forum today. The Florida Health Care Coalition and Kentuckiana Health Collaborative were also recognized with the 2018 Membership Leadership Award. These organizations were celebrated for efforts to improve quality and efficiency of the healthcare delivery system, employee engagement – and ultimately health.

Purchasers must mobilize to address these issues and move market to change

WASHINGTON – Oct. 25, 2018 – Every year the healthcare industry wastes an estimated $750 billion, and while employers overwhelmingly perceive this to be a problem, a sizable percentage (60%) are not actively managing the issue. This is among the findings of a survey to identify employers’ perceptions and actions related to waste in the healthcare system released by National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions and Benfield, a part of the Gallagher Human Resources & Compensation Consulting Practice.

National Business Coalition Sees Disparities in Access & Quality of Mental Health and Substance Use Support 


WASHINGTON – Sept. 13, 2018 –  It’s estimated that for every dollar spent in improved treatment for common mental disorders, there is a return of four dollars in improved health and productivity. However, US employers are not realizing the value of this investment according to a new report released by the non-profit National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions as clear disparities exist for access to behavioral health when compared to the attention physical health services and support have received.

National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions Elects New Board Officers

WASHINGTON – July 26, 2018 – The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, a nonprofit network of business coalitions across the country, announced its slate of new officers for the Board of Governors. Officers are elected by their board peers based on proven leadership and commitment to the National Alliance, as well as their efforts to advance and strengthen value-based purchasing strategies.


“The National Alliance and it coalition members play a critical role in offering tools, programs and education to bring about meaningful change to our healthcare system, said Neil Goldfarb, President and CEO, Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health and Board Chair. “Our board is comprised of knowledgeable and enthusiastic leaders working to move the market toward value-based purchasing to ensure purchasers can obtain the highest quality care at the most reasonable cost.”

Re-elected to a second term were Neil Goldfarb, President & CEO, Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health, who will continue as the Chair, and Jessica Brooks, Chief Executive Officer, Pittsburgh Business Group on Health, who will continue as Vice-Chair.

Newly-elected to the Board of Governors:

  • Randa Deaton, Co-Executive Director, Kentuckiana Health Collaborative
  • Gaye Fortner, President and CEO, HealthCare 21 Business Coalition
  • Cheryl Larson, President and CEO, Midwest Business Group on Health

Members continuing terms on the Board of Governors:

  • Christopher Goff, CEO and General Counsel, Employers Health
  • Diane Hess, Executive Director, Central Penn Business Group on Health
  • Anne Ladd, CEO, Wyoming Business Coalition on Health
  • Chris Skisak, Executive Director, Houston Business Coalition on Health
  • Chris Syverson, CEO, Nevada Business Group on Health
  • Cristie Upshaw Travis, CEO, Memphis Business Group on Health
  • Lisa Wear-Ellington, President/CEO, South Carolina Business Group on Health

There are four external board members and two are continuing second terms – Garry Carneal, Founder, Schooner Strategies and Senior Policy Advisor, Kennedy Forum, and Kulleni Gebreyes, Principal, Health Industries Advisory Practice, PricewaterhouseCoopers. The two newly-elected members:

  • Leah Binder, President and CEO, The Leapfrog Group
  • Paul Fronstin, Director, Health Research and Education Program, Employee Benefit Research Institute

Annual Forum

Convening employers, policymakers, business coalition leaders and other healthcare stakeholders, the National Alliance will host its 23rd Annual Forum, November 12-14, 2018 at The Mayflower Hotel, Washington, DC. Registration and sponsorship information can be found here.

About National Alliance

The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions is a nonprofit network of business coalitions, representing more than 12,000 purchasers and 45 million Americans. The National Alliance is dedicated to driving innovation, health, and value along with its coalition members through the collective action of public and private purchasers. The organization seeks to accelerate the nation’s progress toward safe, efficient, high-quality healthcare and the improved health status of the American population. To learn more, visit nationalalliancehealth.org or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

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National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions and Remedy Partners Collaborate to Accelerate Healthcare Payment Reform

Integrated national platform aims to accelerate employer adoption of bundled payments

WASHINGTON and NORWALK, Conn. – June 26, 2018 –  The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (National Alliance), a nonprofit network of business coalitions representing more than 12,000 purchasers and 45 million Americans, spending more than $300 billion on healthcare, and Remedy Partners, the nation’s leading episodes of care company, are collaborating to help accelerate development and employer adoption of bundled payments across the country.

National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions Names Bruce Sherman Chief Medical Officer

WASHINGTON – Feb. 27, 2018 – The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, a nonprofit network of business coalitions, representing more than 12,000 purchasers and 45 million Americans, has engaged Bruce Sherman, MD, FCCP, FACOEM, as chief medical officer.


“Adding a chief medical officer is part of our growth strategy to support the efforts of our member coalitions and other key stakeholders to optimize workforce health, productivity and performance for employers,” said Michael Thompson, National Alliance president and CEO. “We’re delighted to work with Dr. Sherman to address the latest science and employer health benefit strategies to help employers improve health and healthcare value.”

In addition to serving as CMO for the National Alliance, Dr. Sherman serves as Medical Director, Population Health Management for the RightOpt private exchange offering at Conduent HR Services and is an active researcher in workforce health strategy. Previously, he has served as the consulting corporate medical director for Whirlpool Corporation and The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. A frequent speaker, Dr. Sherman presents on a broad array of workforce health, productivity, and human resources practice-related topics to diverse audiences, and has published numerous related, peer-reviewed articles. He received his MD from NYU School of Medicine, his MA from Harvard and his ScB from Brown.

“I’m pleased to join the National Alliance team in their mission to drive innovation and value in health and wellbeing for the organization’s coalition members, their membership, and the employees, families and communities where they work and live,” said Dr. Sherman.

About National Alliance

The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions is a nonprofit network of business coalitions, representing more than 12,000 purchasers and 45 million Americans. The National Alliance is dedicated to driving innovation, health, and value along with its coalition members through the collective action of public and private purchasers. The organization seeks to accelerate the nation’s progress toward safe, efficient, high-quality healthcare and the improved health status of the American population. To learn more, visit nationalalliancehealth.org or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

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Employers’ Forum of Indiana Newest Member of National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions

WASHINGTON and INDIANAPOLIS – Feb. 22, 2018 – The Employers’ Forum of Indiana has joined as a new member the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, a nonprofit network of business coalitions, representing more than 12,000 purchasers and 45 million Americans.


An employer-led healthcare coalition of employers, physicians, hospitals, health plans, public health officials and other stakeholders in Indiana, the Employers’ Forum of Indiana works to improve the value payers and patients receive for their health care dollars. Coalition members include Chrysler, Inc., Cummins, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Indiana University, Purdue University and the State of Indiana.

“We’re pleased to have the Employer’s Forum of Indiana join our network of member coalition ‘change agents’ from across the country with deep knowledge of healthcare and their regional environments,” said Michael Thompson, National Alliance president and CEO. “Our members play a central role in supporting, aligning and guiding purchasers to drive market transformation.”

Gloria Sachdev, BS Pharm, PharmD, FASHP, president and CEO of the Employers’ Forum of Indiana, commented, “We look forward to being an active participant in the National Alliance. Our coalition shares common interests and vision, and we’re exploring potential collaborations that will benefit our members as well as the employers across the country.”

About National Alliance

The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions is a nonprofit network of business coalitions, representing more than 12,000 purchasers and 45 million Americans. The National Alliance is dedicated to driving innovation, health, and value along with its coalition members through the collective action of public and private purchasers. The organization seeks to accelerate the nation’s progress toward safe, efficient, high-quality healthcare and the improved health status of the American population. To learn more, visit nationalalliancehealth.org or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

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ABIM Foundation and National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions Announce Choosing Wisely® Collaboration

Effort will promote consumer engagement throughout US via network of employer/purchaser coalitions

 

WASHINGTON – Feb. 20, 2018 – New and expanded partnerships are critical to the continued success and spread of the Choosing Wisely® campaign, which promotes conversations between clinicians and patients about overuse and responsible stewardship of resources in healthcare. To that end, the ABIM Foundation is teaming up with the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions to expand the program throughout its network of business coalitions, representing more than 12,000 purchasers and 45 million Americans.

National Alliance Announces 2018 Slate of Conferences for Healthcare Purchasers and Stakeholders

 

WASHINGTON and DALLAS – Feb. 14, 2018 – The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, a nonprofit network of business coalitions, representing more than 12,000 purchasers and 45 million Americans, is hosting two major conferences this year:


 

  • The 2018 Leadership Summits, will be held March 14-15, 2018 in Dallas, focused on four key tracks of growing importance to employers – Healthy Minds, Obesity, Caregiving, and Culture & Community. The Summits’ offer employers, coalitions, and other healthcare stakeholders a fresh view on how to better define market opportunities and strategies critical to addressing these issues of growing importance to purchasers.

 

  • The 23rd Annual Forum, held November 12-14, 2018 in Washington, brings together employers and other healthcare purchasers, business and health coalitions, health plans, providers, and other key stakeholders to focus on critical issues in the healthcare marketplace that promote value, quality, and a more engaged workforce.

 

Confirmed speakers for the 2018 Leadership Summits include:

  • Liz Beckius, Senior Manager, Work Life Programs, Best Buy
  • Susan Campbell, Senior Leader, Wellness Strategy, American Airlines
  • Maureen Corcoran, Vice President, Health & Wellness, Prudential Financial
  • Andy Crighton, Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, Prudential Financial
  • Kim Fortunato, President, Campbell Soup Foundation, and Director of Community Affairs, Campbell Soup Company
  • Mark Goldberg, Global Wellness Manager, Latham & Watkins
  • Trina Histon, Senior Principal Consultant, Clinical & Operational Improvement, Obesity Kaiser Permanente
  • Melissa Hohenberger, Health and Productivity Manager, VWR Scientific Products
  • Nance Lee Mosquera, Employee Benefits Manager, City of St. Paul
  • Bruce Rogen, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Cleveland Clinic Employee Health Plan
  • Bob Stephen, Vice President, Caregiving and Health, AARP
  • Mike B. Weiner, LMSW, EY Assist Leader, Total Rewards, Ernst & Young
  • Michelle Zamperetti, Assistant Director, Community Health Programs, GE Ventures

 

Registration is complimentary for all employers affiliated with a National Alliance member coalition. For additional details and to register for the 2018 Leadership Summits, visit: http://www.nationalalliancehealth.org/2018leadershipsummits/home.

 

About National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions

The National Alliance is a nonprofit network of business coalitions, representing more than 12,000 purchasers and 45 million Americans. The National Alliance is dedicated to driving innovation, health, and value along with its coalition members through the collective action of public and private purchasers. The organization seeks to accelerate the nation’s progress toward safe, eff

  • Mike B. Weiner, LMSW, EY Assist Leader, Total Rewards, Ernst & Young
icient, high-quality healthcare and the improved health status of the American population. To learn more, visit nationalalliancehealth.org or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

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Note to editors: A limited number of passes are available for accredited media at these events upon request.

Campaign to End Medical Debt Joins Forces with National Alliance to Expand Debt Forgiveness Efforts Throughout Country

Initiative erases medical debt for needy families and veterans; tune in to Dec. 19 webinar to learn more

WASHINGTON – Dec. 18, 2017 – Medical debt affects approximately one in five Americans, costs more than $100 billion a year, draining the economy, ruining lives. To expand the reach to combat this growing issue, the non-profit National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions is collaborating with the Campaign to End Medical Debt to extend its program to secure donations from donors to buy and forgive medical debt to communities throughout the US.

Southwire Company LLC and Nevada Business Group on Health Honored by National Alliance for Efforts to Improve Quality and Efficiency of Healthcare Delivery System

 

WASHINGTON – Nov. 27, 2017 – Southwire Company LLC was presented with the 2017 Employer Excellence Award by the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions at its annual conference. The Nevada Business Group on Health was also recognized with the 2017 Membership Award for leadership in advancing value-based purchasing.

National Alliance Annual Employer Health Conference Slated for Nov. 13-15 in Arlington, VA

Event offers purchasers and key stakeholders practical solutions to improve health and healthcare

 

WASHINGTON – Sept. 29, 2017 – With no end in sight for health reform, employers – as the largest purchasers of healthcare outside of the federal government – have an even greater stake in improving the value of the programs they provide while continuing to invest in the health and wellbeing of their employees, families and communities. To that end, the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions will bring together employers, coalitions and other key industry stakeholders at its annual conference on November 13-15, 2017 in Arlington, VA. 

National Alliance Elects New Board Leadership; Adds New Members

WASHINGTON – July 13, 2017 – The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (formerly the National Business Coalition on Health), a non-profit organization of business coalitions across the country, announced its slate of new officers for the Board of Governors. Officers are elected by their board peers based on proven leadership and commitment to the National Alliance, as well as their efforts to advance and strengthen value-based purchasing strategies.


“The National Alliance is focused on driving innovation health and value in healthcare and these coalition leaders play a critical role in shaping and driving our strategic agenda,” said Michael Thompson, National Alliance president and CEO. “Our organization is not only fortunate to have the participation of these industry experts, but we’re also seeing growth of our membership as new coalitions are being developed throughout the country. Our key areas of focus will continue to include thoughtful health reform, value-based contracting, specialty drugs, community health initiatives, obesity, mental health and wellbeing.”

Elected Officers to the Board of Governors:

  • Chair – Neil Goldfarb, President and CEO, Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health
  • Vice-chair – Jessica Brooks, Chief Executive Officer, Pittsburgh Business Group on Health
  • Secretary/Treasurer – Chris Skisak, Executive Director, Houston Business Coalition on Health
  • Representative, – Cristie Upshaw Travis, CEO, Memphis Business Group on Health
  • Representative – Karen van Caulil, President and CEO, Florida Health Care Coalition

Elected At Large Representative to the Board of Governors:
  • Denise Giambalvo, Executive Director, Employers’ Health Coalition
  • Christopher Goff, CEO and General Counsel, Employers Health
  • Diane Hess, Executive Director, Central Penn Business Group on Health
  • Anne Ladd, CEO, Wyoming Business Coalition on Health
  • Laurel Pickering, President and CEO, Northeast Business Group on Health
  • Chris Syverson, CEO, Nevada Business Group on Health
  • Lisa Wear-Ellington, President/CEO, South Carolina Business Group on Health

New this year to add additional skill sets and industry expertise to leadership, the National Alliance has opened the board to two external (non-coalition) members:

  • Garry Carneal, Founder, Schooner Strategies and Senior Policy Advisor, Kennedy Forum
  • Kulleni Gebreyes, Principal, Health Industries Advisory Practice, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Growing national footprint

The National Alliance continues to add new member coalitions in communities throughout the US, with The Economic Alliance for Michigan and the North Carolina Business Group on Health the most recent organizations to join.

Annual Conference

Convening employers, policymakers, business coalition leaders and other healthcare stakeholders, the National Alliance will host its 24th Annual Conference, November 13-15, 2017 in Arlington, VA. Registration and sponsorship information can be found here.

About National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions
The National Alliance is a nonprofit network of business coalitions, representing more than 12,000 purchasers and 41 million Americans. The National Alliance is dedicated to driving innovation, health, and value along with its coalition members through the collective action of public and private purchasers. The organization seeks to accelerate the nation’s progress toward safe, efficient, high-quality healthcare and the improved health status of the American population. To learn more, visit nationalalliancehealth.org or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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National Alliance Releases New Vision to Improve Value in Specialty Drug Marketplace

Private sector must align around Five Rights to support consumers and purchasers in controlling costs and improving outcomes

WASHINGTON – March 29, 2017 – To drive collaboration to control cost, reduce waste and maximize effectiveness of specialty drugs, the non-profit National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (National Alliance) has developed stakeholder guidelines and an engagement framework.

 

National Alliance Releases Health Policy Recommendations from Purchasers


WASHINGTON – Feb. 14, 2017 – Don’t repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without specifying what will replace it. This is among the policy recommendations issued by the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions (National Alliance), a nonprofit, membership association of employer led coalitions across the country serving 12,000 purchasers and 41 million Americans.