Health Insurance Executives Convene in Las Vegas Amidst Industry Challenges
This week, health insurance executives gather in Las Vegas for discussions at a pivotal moment for the industry. As healthcare costs rise and policy changes loom, stakeholders are keen to address these pressing issues during the annual AHIP conference, which kicks off on Tuesday morning. The event spans two days, focusing on the industry’s significant challenges, ranging from technological advancements to enhancing consumer engagement and managing escalating medical costs.
Fierce Healthcare is set to provide on-site insights throughout the conference. Here’s an overview of the critical topics likely to feature prominently on the agenda:
Affordability and Access
The escalating cost of healthcare is a well-documented issue, affecting both patients and providers. Patients encounter increased prescription prices, while providers grapple with administrative complexities. For health insurers and plan sponsors, the challenge lies in balancing cost management with ensuring accessible patient services. This delicate equilibrium has sparked criticism over the use of comprehensive usage management programs to curb expenses.
Affordability is a central theme at this year’s AHIP conference. On Tuesday morning, a keynote session will explore potential solutions, featuring Adam Boehler, CEO of Rubicon Partners and former director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, alongside Lazard CEO Peter Orszag at 10:50 a.m. PT.
The closing session on Tuesday at 5:20 p.m. PT will feature Cigna’s COO, Brian Evanko, and EMD Serono’s President, Miguel Fernández Alcalde, who will discuss strategies to enhance the affordability of prescription drugs.
Affordability will also be a focal point in several sessions of the conference’s influencer series on Wednesday. At 1:05 p.m. PT, a “call to action” for collaboration to advance affordability will be issued by Beth Keyser, President of Commercial Western Region for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield; Katie Martin, President and CEO of the Health Care Cost Institute; Pascale Thomas, Managing Director and Head of Global Benefits and Wellbeing at BNY; and Ellen Kelsay, CEO of the Business Group on Health.
Simultaneously, Michelle Gourdine, MD, Chief Medical Officer for CVS Caremark and Senior Vice President for CVS Health; Laura Herrera Scott, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield; and Ken Silverstein, MD, Chief Medical Officer of EviCore by Evernorth, will provide an update on the industry’s commitment to revising prior authorizations.
Member Engagement and Satisfaction
Engaging members and ensuring their satisfaction is a challenging task, particularly against the backdrop of rising medical costs. Insurers often contend with a negative public perception, which is exacerbated during financial crises. Lawmakers and policymakers are urging the industry to fulfill its responsibilities amidst these challenges.
AHIP will host sessions focused on consumer and member engagement on both days of the conference, covering topics from the role of technology to increasing transparency.
On Tuesday at 2:45 p.m. PT, several CVS executives will discuss the company’s approach to addressing fragmentation and simplifying the patient experience. Panelists include Tony Ambrozie, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital, Technology and Information Officer at CVS; Brian Leadingham, Senior Vice President of PBM Operations at CVS Caremark; and Pushpendu Pal, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer for CVS Caremark.
In another session on Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. PT, Greg Barber, Director of Experience and Market Research at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, and Jigar Shah, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at Blue Shield of California, will discuss how member engagement can be a vital tool in boosting efficiency and retention.
Member engagement intersects with other conference topics. For instance, a session on Tuesday at 12:25 p.m. PT will explore whether “the medium or the messenger” poses the greatest challenge to effective engagement. Speakers include Sophia Kim, Chief Growth Officer at Heartbeat Health; Marcus Lanznar, President of Signify Health; and Zach Taylor, Vice President and Head of Customer Growth and Success at Signify.
Navigating a Complex Policy Environment
In recent times, significant changes have occurred across various lines of business for insurers, including the implementation of Medicaid work requirements and uncertainty surrounding the future of the Affordable Care Act marketplaces.
The session “Medicaid Community Engagement: From Eligibility to Continuity of Care” on Tuesday at 11:40 a.m. PT will provide the latest updates on Medicaid’s overhaul. Speakers include Alice Hm Chen, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Health Officer at Centene Corporation, and Jason Dees, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Molina Healthcare.
The Trump Administration has recently finalized key guidance on implementing work requirements, which states must complete by January 1st.
A panel discussion on the next steps for the exchanges will take place on Tuesday at 3:40 p.m., featuring speakers from various state exchanges and policy experts: Jessica Altman, Executive Director of Covered California; Annie Lee, President and CEO of Colorado Access; and Randy Pate, Founder of Randolph Pate Advisors and former Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
The agenda also includes vaccination policy and access, which underwent significant changes under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. During the “Commitment to Coverage: Strengthening Vaccine Access and Confidence” session on Wednesday at 10:55 a.m., experts will discuss how plans can tackle this critical issue.
For more details on these discussions and the conference, visit Here.
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