Rise

Networking Breakfast

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Conference Co-Chairs:  
Dan Chambers, Executive Vice President 
Payforward  

Regulations, Politics, Compliance, and the Future of Product Design

• Discuss how to balance regulatory complexity with member-centric innovation 
• Connects the dots across policy, politics, and litigation, and how to lay out a smarter path forward for designing 2026-ready product 
• Outline key areas shaping the MA product design landscape including stricter audits, strategies for enacting V28, changes in Part D and supplemental benefits, heightened CMS expectations and internal profitability expectations  

Designing Without a Net in the Post-VBID Era

• Hear how leading MA plans are redesigning benefits without VBID flexibility; and leveraging SSBCI, CSNPs, DSNIP, PACE and other core benefit restructuring to maintain market share 
• Learn how to develop new strategies to remain competitive in Stars, equity, and supplemental benefit offerings 
• Understand the compliance and documentation expectations that replace the built-in oversight VBID once provided, and what CMS and auditors will now look for in high-touch or targeted benefit design 

Craig W. Fisher, Director, Product Development & Growth Initiatives 
Jefferson Health Plans 

Learn Strategies to Pivot, Calibrate and Reposition your Plan’s Offerings

• Review utilization and enrollment data to take a deep dive into the profitability state of your benefits and decide which ones to keep   
• Hear best practices to help you reshape benefits based on market intelligence and update your strategy, along with internal measures to support changes  
• Can your benefits withstand scrutiny to ensure they bring high value at a reasonable cost?  
• Are you a follower or a leader in your market? Discuss benefits and setbacks  

Ana Handshuh, Principal   
Cat5 Strategies  

Abby Katabaro, Managing Director, Medicare Product  
BCBSM

Tools and Tech

Turning Member Insights into Smarter Products, Better Experience and Sustainable Revenue

• Learn how to use clinical, behavioral, and demographic data to tailor benefits and communications for high-need populations like members with diabetes, heart failure, or dual eligibility 
• Discover how member experience data can reshape product design by identifying friction points, reducing grievances, and improving clarity in member materials and onboarding 
• Identify when product misalignment is quietly costing your plan Stars, satisfaction, and accurate risk capture 

Jason Montrie, Executive Vice President 
NationsBenefits

Designing Supplemental Benefits That Empower the Aging Population and Deliver Results

• Leverage non-medical interventions, including SSBCI, to help seniors age in place and maintain independence 
• Prioritize holistic benefit design that addresses social drivers of health and produces measurable outcomes (e.g., reduced ER visits, improved A1C) 
• Align CMS Part C reporting with empowered aging goals to enhance Stars, product performance, and member retention 
• Build vendor partnerships and data strategies that support seamless implementation, compliance, and ROI tracking 

Andy Friedell, COO 
The Helper Bees 

Kaitlin Mayhew, Senior Director, Product Development 
Curana Health Plans / Align Senior Care

Hot Topic: Pharmacy Reform and Impact on Health Plans

• Discuss the 10 high-impact drugs subject to 2026 price negotiation, and how lower member costs will shift plan strategy, pharmacy network dynamics, and benefit messaging 
• Understand the financial and operational impact of rebate reallocation and delayed payments on retail pharmacies, and what plans can do to maintain trust and avoid network disruption 
• Learn how to educate members on formulary changes, prior auth realities, and access issues, while staying compliant and member-centered 

Designing for Aging Populations, Growth and Efficiency

• Explore strategies to evolve your plan design as members age, shift risk profiles, or move across population segments, and when segmentation (e.g., younger duals vs. aging boomers) makes more sense than a one-size-fits-all approach 
• Discuss how to preserve value for older members while staying attractive and sustainable for younger enrollees 
• Navigate the impact of Mid-Year Notifications on member trust, Stars performance, and 2027 planning by prioritizing clear, timely communication amid regulatory and benefit changes to reduce confusion, grievances, and call center volume. 

Dr. Shannon Decker, Principal 
VBC One   

Carrie Meyer, Au.D., Director of Clinical Programs 
Amplifon Hearing Health Care 

Closing Remarks

Conference Co-Chairs:  
Dan Chambers, Executive Vice President 
Payforward