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Value Visit: Commercial Products

Event Date: 2/9/2026 - 2/12/2026

Event Overview

2/9/2026 - 2/12/2026
Texas
Participation is limited to Health Plan Alliance members and invited guests

HPA members talking Affordability and profitability are two of the most pressing—and often competing—priorities for regional and provider-sponsored health plans. We’re bringing together leaders from across the Alliance community to explore how plans can design products, processes, and partnerships that meet market expectations for affordability while ensuring long-term business sustainability.

Through expert insights, peer discussions, and real-world case studies, participants will gain practical strategies to strengthen growth, refine pricing, and enhance differentiation in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Who Should Attend

Executives and managers responsible for strategy, growth, marketing, sales, and product development will find the content especially relevant. Underwriting, technology, and provider network leaders are also encouraged to participate, as achieving affordability and profitability requires coordination across the enterprise.

Why Attend

Collaborative Impact: Immerse your team in intensive working sessions where you'll collaborate directly with peers to solve your organization's most pressing challenges through interactive workshops and hands-on activities.
Real-World Results: Learn from in-depth case studies and proven strategies implemented by peer health plans, gaining practical templates and solutions you can implement immediately within your organization.
Strategic Networking: Build lasting connections with carefully selected peer organizations facing similar challenges, creating a valuable professional network that extends beyond the event through ongoing collaboration.
Hands-On Learning: Skip the theory and dive into practical demonstrations and discussions with plans that have successfully navigated your current challenges, gaining insights you can apply to your own initiatives.
Included with Your Membership: While similar industry events cost thousands, this powerful networking opportunity is included in your membership—giving you unparalleled access to meaningful collaboration with regional, provider-sponsored, and independent health plan leaders.

Look Back

Discover the insights shared at our last meeting that continue to influence thinking across the Alliance.

Thank you to our event sponsors

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Agenda

02/09/2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Reception: Hilton Dallas/Southlake Town Square Menu Burger Bar - Slider Angus Burgers, Crispy Chicken, BBQ Pulled Pork, Veggie burger with accompaniments and fries Mediterranean - Prosciutto, salami, marinated bocconcini, tabbouleh salad, hummus, baba ganoush, tzatziki, tapenade, marinated olives, pita, naan China Town - Shrimp, chicken, steak, white rice, lo mein noodles, carrots, bean sprouts, chopped peanuts, scallions, onion, pepper, peas, carrots, cilantro, jalapenos and sauces Open Bar
02/10/2026 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Networking Breakfast Menu Pastries, fruit, scrambled eggs, chicken apple sausage, bacon, potato hash, oatmeal, juices, tea and coffee
02/10/2026 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Welcome & Strategic Insights Speaker(s): Dennis Bolin, Consultant at Health Plan Alliance Rick Koven, Consultant at Health Plan Alliance
02/10/2026 9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Networking Break
02/10/2026 9:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Finding the Balance: Competing on Value Without Sacrificing Sustainability Regional and provider-sponsored health plans are navigating intense pressure to offer affordable products while maintaining financial viability. This session explores the levers that drive both sides of the equation—from medical cost management to operational efficiency and pricing strategies. Hear how peers are aligning their affordability goals with long-term profitability and what data-driven decisions are helping them strike the right balance. Speaker(s): David Smith, Founder and CEO at Third Horizons Strategies
02/10/2026 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Networking Break
02/10/2026 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Level-Funded Plans: Growth Opportunities in the Small Group Market Level-funded products continue to attract employers seeking predictable costs and self-funded flexibility. In this session, health plan leaders share lessons learned in designing, pricing, and administering level-funded offerings. Discussion will cover risk management, regulatory considerations, and how plans are positioning these products as a growth engine in the small and mid-sized employer space. Speaker(s): Chris Kerr, Director of Underwriting at Alliant Health Plans Stacy Kreller, AVP, Commercial Sales and Client Services at Geisinger Health Plan Bart Stead, Vice President of Marketing at Cox HealthPlans
02/10/2026 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch Menu Garden salad bar, white cheddar au gratin potatoes, seasonal vegetables, asparagus, grilled chicken, sliced bistro tender, seared salmon, chocolate mousse cake and fruit tarts
02/10/2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Standing Out from the Giants: Competing Effectively with National Carriers BUCA plans dominate national markets with scale and brand recognition—but regional plans offer agility, community connection, and tailored service that large carriers can’t replicate. Explore strategies for leveraging these advantages to win business, retain employer groups, and differentiate in markets increasingly influenced by consolidation and national brand strength. Moderator: Libby Hart, HealthSherpa Panelists: Lori Rund, VP, Medicare Advantage at Johns Hopkins Health Plans Dan Richards, AVP of Commercial Sales at Select Health Jacob Konitzer, Principal at ECG Management Consultants
02/10/2026 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Networking Break
02/10/2026 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM
Aligning the Enterprise: Driving Growth Through Cross-Functional Collaboration Sustained growth requires every part of the organization—from underwriting to marketing to provider networks—to move in concert. This session examines how health plans are improving collaboration across business units to support affordability and profitability goals. Hear case studies on how data sharing, joint planning, and shared accountability can turn internal alignment into market advantage. Speaker(s): Benjamin Aragon, Manager of Product Development at Sharp Health Plan
02/10/2026 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Re-Entering the Marketplace: ACA Strategies for Sustainable Growth With continued stabilization of the ACA exchanges, regional and provider-sponsored plans are reevaluating their participation strategies. This discussion explores how plans are approaching product design, pricing, and member engagement to compete effectively while managing risk. Participants will learn how to balance affordability and sustainability in a market defined by price sensitivity and evolving regulations. Moderator: Marc Pierce, Principal at ECG Management Consultants Panelists: Karan Rustagi at Wakely Ansar Hassan, CFO at Denver Health Medical Plan Matt Mraz, Senior Consulting Actuary at Milliman Jeremy Kush, Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman Wesley Sanders, Founder and Principal Consultant at Evensun Health Inc.
02/10/2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Dinner: Brio's Italian Grille
02/11/2026 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast Menu Pastries, fruit, mini frittatas, sausage, bacon, roasted potatoes, oatmeal, juices, tea, coffee
02/11/2026 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
ICHRAs: Customization and Choice as Growth Catalysts Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) are reshaping how employers approach benefits. This session dives into how regional plans are incorporating ICHRAs into their product portfolios to reach new employer segments. Learn from peers about early adoption, distribution partnerships, and operational considerations for scaling ICHRAs effectively. Speaker(s): Joe Caldwell, Principal Consultant at Evensun Health Inc. Mark Mixer, Chief Executive Officer at Alliant Health Plans Stacy Edgar at Venteur Michael Levin, Senior Vice President, ICHRA at HealthSherpa Steve Cherok, Senior Vice President at MarshMcLennan Agency
02/11/2026 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Networking Break
02/11/2026 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Captive Solutions: Expanding Options for Employer Groups Brokers are sponsoring captive insurance arrangements to offer employers greater control, predictable costs, and a new alternative to traditional fully insured products. In this session, we will explore what motivates brokers to enter these arrangements and how they impact independent health plans’ competitive positioning. Participants will learn how captives work and explore the potential to collaborate with them to strengthen competitiveness and broker/employer engagement. Speaker(s): Kristen Rivers, Senior Vice President at ParetoHealth Brad Gunnell, Director - Stop Loss Product at Select Health
02/11/2026 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Partnering for Growth: Strengthening Broker Relationships Brokers remain essential to distribution and market insight, but their loyalties are often shaped by incentives and service models. This session examines how regional plans are redefining broker engagement through improved communication, data transparency, and value-added support. Discover what’s working to build stronger broker partnerships that align with your plan’s growth and profitability goals. Speaker(s): Tom Nicholson, Northstar
02/11/2026 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Networking Lunch Menu Chopped lettuce, carrots, cashews, snow peas, lychee, heart of palm, mandarin orange, citrus dressing Soba noodle salad - green cabbage, cucumber, mint, scallions, thai chili, lime-soy dressing Vegetable egg rolls w/ plum sauce Pineapple fried rice - basmati rice, mixed vegetables, eggs Japanese bbq chicken Miso soy glazed salmon Vietnamese beef Ginger cheesecake and rice pudding
02/11/2026 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Network Strategies that Drive Affordability and Differentiation Network design sits at the center of both affordability and market positioning. This discussion focuses on how health plans are leveraging tiered networks, value-based partnerships, and local provider relationships to control costs and enhance competitiveness. Participants will explore the trade-offs between breadth, cost, and member experience—and how network strategy can become a true differentiator. Speaker(s): Dan Cochran, Cochran Health Ventures Brian Atkinson, Imagine 360 David Angelone, MacroHealth
02/11/2026 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Networking Break
02/11/2026 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Standing Out in a Crowded Market: Showcasing What Makes Your Plan Different Strong messaging and visuals can bring a plan’s unique value proposition to life. In this interactive session, participants will review real-world examples of marketing materials from Alliance members and explore what resonates with employers and consumers. Discussion will focus on how to clearly communicate differentiation—whether it’s local partnerships, service excellence, or innovative products. Speaker(s): Kate Satula, Advertising and Brand Director at Select Health Nick Kraft, SVP, Chief Growth Officer at CDPHP Patti Scott, Vice President, Commercial Growth at CDPHP
02/11/2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Dinner: Ferah Tex-Med Kitchen Menu Hummus, pita bread, tortilla chips and veggies Bacon-wrapped stuffed dates Choice of Ferah 10 Spice Chicken or Mediterranean Salmon or 44 Farms Braised Beef Short Rib or Wild Mushroom & Asparagus Risotto Dessert: baklava and chocolate cake
02/12/2026 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast For those with later flights, meet in the hotel restaurant for a come and go breakfast.