Rise

Exhibit Hall Open

Opening Remarks

Shannon I. Decker, PhD, MBA, MBA, MEd, MEd, Founder & CEO
VBC One

Keynote Address: Well Begun is Half Done: Bending the Insurance Risk Curve Using Applied Behavioral Science

• Explore how AEP marks the beginning of the behavior change relationship that you'll establish with your members and how applied behavioral science can help
• Discuss how the next era of insurance involves bending the risk curve, changing the behaviors of those we insure
• Learn how increasing data and improvements in actuarial science have made it easier than ever to map the risk curve but also results in diminishing marginal returns to greater accuracy

Matt Wallaert, Chief Experience Officer, Oceans
Founder, BeSci.io
Former Chief Behavioral Officer, Clover Health

Regulatory Review for a New Administration

• Analyze potential regulatory changes and their implications under the new administration 

• Examine the adjustment in broker payment structures and the results of the stay 

• Gain insights into anticipated regulatory trends for 2026 and beyond 

Tricia Beckmann, J.D.
Principle
Faegre Drinker 
 
Kacey Dugan 
Director - Policy & Regulatory Affairs
Faegre Drinker 

Panel: Lessons Learned from the 2025 AEP & OEP Season

• Review the main obstacles faced during the most recent AEP and OEP plus what was done to overcome them
• Hear success stories that drove engagement and enrollment, maximizing outcomes in the competitive environment
• Discuss insights and innovative approaches into navigating the complex upcoming AEP

Moderator: 
Hank Osowski 
Managing Partner 
Strategic Health Group 

Panelists:
Todd Rau, Director Sales and Client Relationships
Indiana University Health Plans

Tara Minissale, Manager, GM Broker Affairs & Partnerships - Government Markets
Independence Blue Cross 

Maggie Mood, Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Mass Advantage

Brace for Impact: Balancing Pharmacy Benefit’s Effects on the Bottom Line

• Discuss the top 10 Medicare negotiated medications and the financial implications for your plan
• Hear from industry experts on innovative approaches for managing the rising costs associated with GLP-1 medications
• Explore effective strategies to reduce costs and balance projected pharmacy benefit expenses leading into 2026

Gary Melis R.Ph., Clinical Pharmacist

Network Health

Thinking Bigger, Going Deeper

• Learn to be authentically local and to get involved in your community
• Broaden your mindset around a Community Center of Influence and the broker’s influence on their community and the industry
• Explore strategies to maintain consistent contact with clients
• Have a solid plan in place for AEP now, and consider best practices for what that plan should look like
• Be informed, prepared, local, and involved to achieve sustainable, long-term growth

Samantha George, Director of Client Relationships
The Baldwin Group

Fireside Chat: Personalization in Marketing: Humanizing Your Communication

• Learn ways to implement the use of AI to personalize your marketing and communication materials  

• Investigate ways to address regional and cultural nuances by creating more relevant and inclusive messaging 

• Discuss opportunities use authentic storytelling to create a sense of community among current and prospective members 

Moderator: 

Jessica Gonzalez-Arias, Principal, Markets Growth Lifestyle Medicine Marketing & PR 

Blue California 

Carrie Kozlowski, COO & Co-Founder 
Upfront Healthcare 

Engaging & Retaining Your D-SNP Population

• Analyze the effectiveness of different channels for reaching your D-SNP population to create an outreach strategy 

• Determine tactics to overcome common digital access barriers to ensure your members receive the information they need  

• Utilize grassroots marketing efforts to engage members in authentically local ways by partnering with community groups 

Robert Bever
Director of Medicare Sales
Banner Health 

Closing Remarks

Shannon I. Decker, PhD, MBA, MBA, MEd, MEd, Founder & CEO
VBC One