The National Health Policy Forum seeks to inform the public policy process by helping participants—federal health policymakers in the legislative and executive branches and in congressional support agencies—engage in rigorous, constructive, and respectful dialogue. The complex and contentious nature of health policy today challenges policymakers to mediate a diverse range of strongly held interests, beliefs, and values. NHPF strives to place these disparate, often conflicting views in historical and market context by presenting them at meetings, synthesizing related research in a range of publication formats, and conducting site visits to offer a practical perspective on health policy. This multi-faceted approach helps participants navigate the difficult decisions that confront them and provides a common point of reference for their deliberations and problem solving.

Created in 1971 by senior-level congressional staff and executive agency decision makers to address their information needs and provide a safe harbor for open and frank conversations, the Forum has remained true to its original goals and also evolved to meet new challenges. NHPF is a nonpartisan organization that does not advocate particular policy positions. The Forum maintains a "no press" rule to foster candor and allow for the honest exchange of ideas and viewpoints. To ensure that programming continues to be driven by the needs and priorities of its participants, NHPF solicits guidance from a Steering Committee of senior-level health policymakers.

Covering a broad range of health policy topics, NHPF offers three types of signature products that total approximately 30 to 35 meetings, publications, and site visits annually.

Staff
Meet the team...

Sponsors
The activities of the Forum are made possible by grants and contributions from a variety of foundation and corporate sponsors.

What People Say about the Forum

• "credible and fair treatment of all sides of an issue..."
• "an essential support to the functioning of the Congress..."
• "top-notch job of laying out complicated issue areas and important questions..."
• "balanced, in-depth materials and presentations..."
• "one of the most trusted ways of cutting through the haze..."
• "provides the depth and thoughtfulness needed while avoiding getting mired in the minutiae..."
• "never loses sight of the basic underlying principles of the health care industry..."

Steering Committee
NHPF is advised by a Steering Committee of key federal participants.

2007 Annual Report

NHPF 30th Anniversary