welcome reception
Tuesday, October 14
3:00
Registration Opens
4:30 – 7:30
Welcome Reception
Kick off the conference with a warm welcome at one of New Orleans’ iconic establishments. This relaxed evening gathering is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and build new relationships. Enjoy the city’s signature hospitality, local flavors, and vibrant atmosphere as we come together to network and celebrate the start of an inspiring event.
Conference • day one
Wednesday, October 15
7:00 – 8:15
Registration and Networking Breakfast
8:15 – 8:30
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Meggan Christman Schilkie, Chief Operating Officer, HMA
8:30 – 9:15
Keynote Address
The Policy and Politics of Making America Healthy
Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson will challenge the true underpinnings of what makes people healthy and what it takes to achieve this goal. He will address the current anxieties felt by healthcare stakeholders regarding the changes to certain policies, programs, and initiatives. Our speaker will address strategies and opportunities to find a different path forward and achieve common goals. Drawing from his experience as governor, where he worked extensively to address obesity in his state, Hutchinson will present a vision of what is possible even in polarizing and partisan times to improve health in states and communities.
Speaker
Asa Hutchinson, 46th Governor of the State of Arkansas
9:20 – 10:30
Plenary Session
When the Ground Shifts: Publicly Financed Health Coverage and Policy in Motion
As federal policy continues to evolve, its ripple effects are reshaping state and local healthcare markets in real time. Our panel of multidisciplinary leaders—from government, health plans, hospitals, and private equity—are navigating these shifts from multiple vantage points. Together, they’ll explore how recent federal actions are transforming the payer mix, driving innovation, and creating new opportunities for collaboration and sustainability.
Speakers
Julia Dreier, Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, Minnesota Department of Insurance
Roger A. Mitchell, Jr., MD, President, Howard University Hospital and President of the National Medical Association (NMA)
Sara Singleton, Principal, Leavitt Partners, an HMA Company
moderator
Jennifer Colamonico, MPP, Vice President, Strategy and Communications, HMA
10:30 – 11:00
Break
11:00 – 12:15
Expert-Led Workshops
Medicare Models, Markets, and Momentum: What They Mean for Payers, Providers, and Investors
Medicare Advantage (MA) is entering a new era of transformation—and scrutiny. With the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services advancing sweeping changes across risk adjustment policies, audit strategies, and value-based care design, payers and their partners must recalibrate fast. This session will unpack the most consequential policy shifts reshaping the MA landscape, including the expansion of RADV audits, evolving expectations around coding accuracy, use of AI, and CMS’s push for more meaningful value-based arrangements. From the financial implications of increased oversight to the strategic opportunities in model innovation, this session will help attendees understand how to position themselves for success.
Speakers
Carrie Graham, Ph.D., Research Professor and Director, Medicare Policy Initiative, Georgetown University Center for Health Insurance Reform
Dan Jones, Senior Vice President, Federal Affairs, Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP)
Neil Patel, MD, Chief Health Officer, Patina Health
moderator
Tim Murray, FSA, MAAA, Principal, Wakely, an HMA Company
Making Medicaid Work Requirements Work
As federal work requirements reshape Medicaid eligibility, states face critical decisions in how these programs are designed and implemented. This session will focus on the key policy, strategy, and legal issues that influence program success—and the well-being of those served. Drawing on lessons from states like Georgia, panelists will explore what to watch for in program design, including strategies to support workforce readiness, reduce administrative burden, and maintain access to care. Join state officials and national experts for a grounded conversation on how to build work requirement programs.
Speakers
Tonya Moore, Associate Principal, HMA
Lynnette Rhodes, Chief Health Policy Officer, Georgia Department of Community Health
Michelle Smith, Medicaid Reforms Project Director, Utah Department of Health and Human Services
moderator
Alicia Johnson, DBA, Managing Principal, HMA
Driving Digital Health Forward: Federal and Industry Enablers of Smarter, Connected Care
Through new federal regulations, strategic frameworks, and multisector collaboration, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), and other leading organizations are catalyzing a transformation in digital health. The emergence of the CMS Interoperability Framework and the CMS-Aligned Networks initiative mark a pivotal shift toward open, standards-based, and patient-centered data exchange. Speakers will unpack the framework and emerging “rules of the road” for data exchange and governance and examine how these developments can unlock the full power of population health management, care coordination, utilization and quality management, and program integrity. A multisector panel will examine the strategic implications of the evolving digital health ecosystem, highlighting both opportunities and trade-offs.
Speakers
Jaime Bland, DNP, RN-BC, Chief Executive Officer, CyncHealth
Thomas Keane, MD, MBA, Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Chris Walker, Associate Vice President, Digital Product, Humana
moderator
Ryan Howells, Principal, Leavitt Partners, an HMA Company
Policies Advancing the 988 & Behavioral Healthcare System: Exploring Lessons Learned from States
States, territories, and tribal nations are using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline as a springboard to transform behavioral health crisis systems. As of April 2025, 11 states have enacted a 988 fee, and five have secured recurring state funding, reflecting growing momentum to invest in sustainable crisis care. This workshop will explore how states are leveraging legislation, funding, and innovation to strengthen crisis response systems. Topics include lessons learned from recent policy efforts, strategies for building complex systems in changing environments, and examples of effective public and private sector collaboration that drive meaningful outcomes.
Speakers
David Covington, Chief Executive Officer, Recovery International
Brian Hepburn, Executive Director, National Association for State Mental Health Program Directors
Bill Howard, Director of Crisis Operations, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Matt Yancey, Deputy Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Mental Health
moderator
Monica Johnson, MA, LPC, Managing Director, Behavioral Health Practice, HMA
12:15 – 1:30
Networking Lunch
1:30 – 2:45
Expert-Led Workshops
Delivering on the Promise of Payment Reform: Operational Strategies for Success
As Medicare shifts toward prevention, person-centered care, and accountable innovation, the financial stakes are rising. This session explores how these priorities are shaping real-world models—especially for chronic conditions—and what they mean for payers, providers, and investors. Speakers will unpack the growing use of downside risk, capitation, and upfront investments, and make the case for why these models are worth backing. Speakers will make the case for why payers, and providers should invest in these models—and how to evaluate return on investment through both cost savings and improved outcomes.
Speakers
Marri Brackman, DO, Chief Medical Officer, Ilumed
Julius Bruch, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Isaac Health
Sabra Matovsky, MBA, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Health Care LA IPA
Matthew Thompson, MD, FACEP, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Telescope Health
moderator
Kate de Lisle, Principal, Leavitt Partners, an HMA Company
Resilient by Design: Investing in Infrastructure to Support Community Health
What does it take to build lasting health infrastructure in communities that have historically been underfunded or overlooked? This session brings together a cross-sector panel of leaders—from philanthropy, Medicaid policy, care coordination, and disability services—who are tackling the challenge of building operational resilience in systems not traditionally resourced or structured like mainstream healthcare. Panelists will explore how strategic investments are supporting innovative models that meet complex needs without requiring organizations to fully medicalize. Through real-world examples across states and sectors, this discussion will highlight how targeted funding, flexible partnerships, and collaborations are reshaping what sustainable, community-driven health systems can look like.
Speakers
David Berkey, Chief Executive Officer, Illinois Health Practice Alliance
Sarah Mills, Executive Director, Partnerships for Advancing Community Health
Amie Parikh, Chief Executive Officer, Hudson Valley
moderator
Josh Rubin, MPP, Vice President, Client Solutions, HMA
The Digital Health “State of the Art”: Success Stories, Trends and Opportunities
This session brings together panelists from across the healthcare landscape to explore how digital health technologies are being adopted – and the value they are delivering. Panelists will share practical use cases and the measurable benefits they expect from tools such as AI, digital quality measurement (dQM), application programming interfaces (APIs) enabled by the interoperability rule, remote monitoring and other “Internet of Things” devices. Use cases will highlight functions including population health, care management, utilization and quality management, provider compensation, and program integrity. Attendees will engage in discussions and problem-solving activities focused on the impact of these technologies on patients, the healthcare workforce, and IT operations. This session will also explore critical change enablers of digital transformation beyond legal and regulatory mandates. Participants will have the opportunity to share their own experiences and challenges in advancing their organization’s “digital health maturity” and gain practical strategies for overcoming operational hurdles.
Speakers
David Bergman, Assistant Vice President of Digital Health, Maimonides Medical Center
Martin Lupinetti, President and Chief Executive Officer, HealthShare Exchange
Curt Schatz, Healthcare Technology Executive
Kate Shanks, Chief Technology Officer, Community Healthcare Network
moderator
Juan Montanez, MBA, Managing Director, Information Management and Technology Practice, HMA
Discharging Patients with Complex Needs: Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorders, and Coordinated Care
Hospitals are often the front door to the behavioral health system in their community, particularly for individuals who have co-occurring care needs including mental health, substance use disorders and complex health related social needs. These complex presentations compound existing challenges around length of stay, discharge planning, workforce needs, safety, and the associated costs. This panel will explore innovative solutions to addressing these challenges.
Speakers
Jeremy Klemanski, Chief Executive Officer, Gateway Foundation
Nicole Sunder, Sr. Director, Solution Design, PointClickCare
moderator
Allie Franklin, MSW, LICSW, Managing Director, Behavioral Health Services Practice, HMA
2:45 – 3:15
Networking Break
3:15 – 4:45
Plenary Session
Shifting the Paradigm: Transforming Value-Based Healthcare for Lasting Impact
As the healthcare system continues its shift toward value-based care, the question is no longer if change is coming—but how to lead it. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is laying the groundwork for a reboot of value-based care. This session will explore where CMS’ strategy is already reshaping the healthcare system and care delivery for patients, particularly the opportunities to revisit Medicare Advantage relationships with providers and to integrate technology to advance the prevention of chronic conditions and achieve population health goals. From payers and enabling organizations, to providers and community organizations, the healthcare sector must be prepared for new expectations for global risk and consumer engagement – and to articulate the return on investment when making this shift.
Speakers
Liz Fowler, Senior Advisor, HMA, and former Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Kate Goodrich, MD, MHS, Chief Medical Officer, Humana
Chris Klomp, Deputy Administrator and Director, Center for Medicare, CMS (invited)
moderator
Amy Bassano, Managing Director, Medicare, HMA
5:00 – 7:00
Sponsor Reception
conference • day two
Thursday, October 16
7:00
Registration
7:45 – 9:00
Coffee Conversations and Collaborations
Coffee Conversations will offer a fresh, intimate alternative to traditional breakout sessions—designed for deeper learning, richer dialogue, and meaningful connections. Led by experts from HMA and beyond, these sessions will spotlight practical tools and resources while inviting attendees into dynamic, peer-driven discussions. Whether you’re diving into a specific program, exploring operational challenges, or sharing best practices, select a session to:
- Take a deeper look at targeted topics, solutions, and innovations
- Engage in candid conversations to get questions answered and ideas exchanged
- Build relationships and collaborate with peers in a relaxed, interactive setting
Conversation topics
Join us for an interactive discussion about how emerging AI solutions are reshaping the competitive procurement process. Explore real-world applications, operational challenges, and best practices for use of AI across the procurement lifecycle. Engage in candid discussions around fairness, transparency, and the future of AI-driven procurement—sharing insights and learning from peers navigating similar terrain.
Conversation Leader: Christine Rein, Managing Director, Local and Regional Managed Care Plans, HMA
Join Kelly O’Reilly, CEO of the Ohio Association of Health Plans, and HMA experts for an engaging discussion on how Medicaid managed care organizations and community-based organizations can collaborate to deliver sustainable, scalable non-traditional services. Drawing on lessons from Ohio’s collaborative approach, this session will go deep on strategies for operationalizing non-traditional benefits, navigating governance and contracting and strengthening partnerships to improve outcomes for at-risk populations.
Conversation Leader: Kelly O’Reilly, Chief Executive Officer, Ohio Association of Health Plans
In a shifting federal landscape, agencies need smart tools to plan for funding changes. This session introduces two customizable models that help estimate financial impacts from HR1 and Medicaid eligibility shifts. Learn how to assess risk, project program-level effects, and build contingency strategies using scenario-based inputs and dropdowns. Gain practical guidance on identifying priorities, tracking policy timelines, and exploring alternative funding paths.
Conversation Leader: Shannon Breitzman, Managing Principal, HMA
Medicaid is entering another period of unprecedented change. HR1 and evolving federal–state dynamics are reshaping eligibility, enrollment, and delivery—with distinct impacts across states and territories. Join Nikita Singareddy, CEO of Fortuna Health, and HMA experts to explore how states and plans are responding through operational strategies and tech-enabled community engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights to navigate policy change while enhancing member experience and program performance.
Conversation Leader: Nikita Singareddy, Chief Executive Officer, Fortuna Health
Food Is Medicine initiatives are gaining traction as a strategy to improve health outcomes and address social drivers of health. This conversation invites both seasoned and emerging stakeholders to discuss how measuring impact can support sustainability and scale. Share ideas on overcoming implementation challenges and explore ways to strengthen the evidence base for broader adoption.
Conversation Leader: Jean Glossa, MD, MBA, FACP, Vice President, Client Solutions, HMA
Join Jon Blum, former Principal Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and HMA experts for a focused discussion on how payers approach coverage for costly technologies with long-term value. Drawing on examples like Aduhelm, GLP-1s, and cell and gene therapies, the discussion will explore decision-making across CMS, commercial plans, and Medicaid—and how providers weigh these challenges in practice.
Conversation Leaders: Jon Blum, former Principal Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer, CMS
9:15 – 10:15
Plenary Session
Maintaining Behavioral Health Innovation Momentum in a Complex Environment
In this dynamic environment, healthcare leaders must balance access to behavioral healthcare with payment and regulatory changes. This panel features experts from various healthcare sectors discussing unique perspectives and experiences in creating innovative frameworks and approaches. The discussion will cover the ways in which organizations are stepping up to fund and implement new initiatives, clinical improvements, parity, community care, and impacts on hospital systems and payers.
Speakers
Stuart Archer, Chief Executive Officer, Oceans Healthcare
Rhonda Beale, MD, SVP & Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Mental Health Services United Health Group
Kevin Tanner, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
moderator
Teresa Garate, Managing Director, Behavioral Health Practice, HMA
10:15 – 11:00
Networking Break
11:00 – 12:00
Plenary Session
From Gridlock to Growth: Advancing Population Health Through Resilient System Design
Through the lens of housing, transportation, and food insecurity, panelists—including payers, health system executives, and community experts—will share bold, actionable strategies for building a stronger healthcare ecosystem and improve population health. Discover how cross-sector collaboration can create resilient healthcare systems that deliver equitable, sustainable outcomes across communities.
Speakers
Alice Chen, MD, MPH, Chief Health Officer, Centene
Jacey Cooper, Senior Advisor, HMA, and former Director of the State Demonstrations Group, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Kody Kinsley, former Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
moderator
Warren Brodine, Managing Director, Delivery Systems Practice, HMA
12:00 – 1:15
closing Plenary
Seizing Disruption to Make a Lasting Impact in Healthcare
Join us for a dynamic fireside chat that brings together two nationally recognized leaders for a candid conversation on the evolving role of government in healthcare innovation. With deep experience spanning federal and state government as well as the private sector, our speakers will explore how disruption—when embraced strategically—can drive meaningful, lasting change in healthcare. Together, we’ll examine what innovation looks like in today’s healthcare landscape, how government can act as a catalyst rather than a barrier, and where public-private partnerships can deliver the greatest impact.
Speakers
Bechara Choucair, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Health Officer, Kaiser Permanente
Bruce D. Greenstein, Secretary, Louisiana Department of Health
moderator
David Kulick, Managing Principal, HMA