Agenda for Day 2 – Wednesday November 18, 2026
- Chris Dowd - Senior Vice President, Market Development, ConnectiveRx
As the healthcare landscape evolves, upcoming policy changes will significantly impact copay and reimbursement strategies. Hear a comprehensive overview of key policies and their implications, gaining
actionable insights to stay ahead of policy changes and ensure your copay program remains effective and patient centric.
Examine the impact of major policies, including the Inflation Reduction Act, One Big Beautiful Bill and Most Favored Nations, on copay program management, patient access and affordability strategies
Discuss how these policies are expected to be actualized in 2027 and their potential effects on the healthcare ecosystem
Explore other emerging policies on the horizon and their implications for manufacturers and patients
- Kevin Herwig - Health Policy Manager, HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute
With rising out-of-pocket (OOP) costs and increasing financial strain on patients, affordability has become a critical issue. Explore how manufacturers can respond to these challenges while balancing patient needs with business objectives. Leveraging insights from industry research, focus on actionable strategies to reduce financial barriers, improve access to care and address policy-driven affordability gaps.
Examine the impact of rising OOP costs, accumulators and maximizers on patient access and adherence, with a focus on the ACA cap exceeding $10k and its implications for vulnerable populations
Discuss policy proposals aimed at reducing medical debt, opposing junk plans and improving affordability, while addressing the interaction between Medicaid and ACA cuts
Explore strategies to balance patient affordability with profitability, leveraging copay programs and patient assistance programs (PAP) to mitigate affordability challenges and ensure sustainable business practices
- Rachel Klein - Deputy Executive Director, The AIDS Institute
- Stephanie Hengst - Manager, Policy and Research, The AIDS Institute
Gain key insights on enforcement trends and upcoming areas of focus for 2026 and beyond, to ensure program compliance, enhance patient access and drive innovation in reimbursement and affordability strategies
Dive into the complexities of the Gross-to-Net (GTN) model, exploring how copay programs fit into the broader financial and access landscape. Learn how to balance affordability with profitability while leveraging data and strategy to optimize outcomes.
Analyze how copay programs interact with GTN and rebate strategies to enhance distribution and access
Forecasting copay offerings to align them with patient needs while balancing affordability with profitability
Evaluate the impact of pharmacy vs. medical benefits on GTN and how they shape copay program design
Understand the importance of conducting regular reviews to ensure alignment with access goals and evolving market dynamics
- Bill Rush - Divisional General Manager, Oncology, Sanofi
Delve into the evolving dynamics of market saturation and its implications for copay and reimbursement strategies. Learn how increased competition is reshaping rebate negotiations, formulary placements and market share defense strategies.
Analyze therapeutic areas transitioning from single-player dominance to competitive landscapes, and the resulting impact on rebate negotiations and market share
Explore key considerations for formulary placement of existing therapies amidst the emergence of competitive alternatives
Discover strategies employed by pharmaceutical companies to defend and sustain market share in increasingly saturated markets
- Andrew Erickson, MBA - Head, Payers, Reimbursement and Patient Support Services, Valorum Biologics
Delve into the evolution of patient access programs across their lifecycle, offering insights into metrics, strategies and best practices to ensure sustained success and alignment with brand objectives.
Explore how patient access programs evolve over time, highlighting the differences in strategy and execution at launch, mid-life cycle and end-life-cycle stages
Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure success at each stage, emphasizing that ROI should not be the sole defining factor of program effectiveness
Discuss best practices for maintaining a robust patient access strategy throughout the entire lifecycle of the program, ensuring adaptability and resilience
Pinpoint critical measurables to monitor and adjust, enabling better alignment with overarching brand strategy and patient needs
- Cari Waters BSN, RN, OCN - Partner, US Patient Support Programs Strategy, Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
- Preston Rogers - Associate Director, Patient and Provider Solutions Resp/ILD, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Explore the unique challenges and innovative solutions in the affordability and reimbursement landscape for high-cost gene therapies. Dive into program structures, operational complexities and support mechanisms tailored to cell and gene therapy.
Examine the innovative affordability program structures required for gene therapies, addressing the unique challenges posed by these treatments
Explore ancillary support considerations, such as travel and lodging, to ensure equitable access for patients requiring these specialized therapies
Analyze the reimbursement challenges specific to cell and gene therapies, including the complexities of securing authorizations and negotiating agreements with payers, academic centers and practice centers
Empowering patients and healthcare providers (HCPs) through education and advocacy is essential to improving health outcomes and fostering adherence. Learn how to set stakeholders up for success as they navigate healthcare systems, understand copay programs and access available resources, to overcome barriers.
Develop tools and resources to educate patients and HCPs on critical topics, including copay programs, eligibility criteria, Medicare/Medicaid enrollment and navigating healthcare systems
Explore the role of field reimbursement managers (FRMs) and other support roles in bridging gaps between patients, providers, and payers, while ensuring a seamless experience
Identify strategies to build trust and enhance communication, particularly for underserved populations, by addressing barriers such as distrust, lack of resources and complex processes
Highlight how education and advocacy efforts empower patients to take control of their health, improve adherence and achieve better outcomes
- Sheila M. Carroll - Account Manager, Solid Tumor, BeOne Medicines USA, Inc.
- Charlie Strunck - Field Reimbursement Director, BeOne Medicines USA, Inc.
Join us for an exclusive session designed to spark candid, collaborative conversations facilitated by industry leaders and driven by superstar attendees like you. Select your two hottest topics and participate in an engaging roundtable format, where you'll benchmark, share challenges and collaborate on solutions. Build meaningful relationships and tackle your top-of-mind challenges in this dynamic, interactive experience.
Plus! Enjoy food and drinks to keep the atmosphere lively and welcoming while you connect and collaborate.
Topic 1 – Accumulators, Maximizers and Alternative Funding Programs
Benchmark with peers on best practices for risk mitigation, payer negotiations and copay program design as cost sharing programs continue to disrupt the marketplace.
Topic 2 – Prior Authorization
Explore the challenges of the PA process, the impact of broader insurance trends and actionable strategies to simplify workflows, improve transparency and reduce access barriers.
Topic 3 – Implementing Innovative Technologies
Identify best practices to integrate AI and automation into operations to improve efficiency, personalize patient support and enhance decision-making. Gain strategies to overcome challenges such as implementation, scalability and compliance when adopting new technologies.
