2026 Fall Forum Agenda

7:30 AM – Networking Breakfast
Be sure to join us early to enjoy a fantastic hot breakfast with peers from across the state!
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8:45 AM – Welcome and Introductions
Jon Rankin, NCBCH President/CEO
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9:00 AM – Employer’s Legislative Update
An update on recent and emerging legislative developments impacting employers and their benefit programs.
Kristine Blanco, J.D., Executive Vice President of Legal and Compliance, Alliant Insurance Services
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10:00 AM – Innovative Rx Strategies: Beyond Transparency
Explore innovative approaches employers can use to better manage pharmacy costs and improve outcomes—moving beyond transparency to address specialty drugs, clinical management, alternative procurement strategies, data access, fiduciary alignment, and the evolving role of PBMs.
Panel
Moderator to be announced
Greg Baker, Chief Executive Officer, AffirmedRx
Renzo Luzzatti, US-Rx Care
Employer representative to be announced
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11:00 AM – Beyond Navigation: Advocacy, Guidance & Specialty Support
Explore how employers can move beyond traditional healthcare navigation to provide employees with more personalized advocacy, expert guidance, and specialty support—helping them navigate complex care, make better-informed decisions, and achieve better outcomes.
Panel
Moderator: Zeev Neuwirth, MD, Medical Director, NCBCH
Sunil Budhrani, MD, Chief Strategy and Medical Officer, Judi Health
Tristan Harris, Senior Director, Member Engagement Operations, Quantum Health
Mary Mulcare, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Summus
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11:45 AM – Innovator Spotlight: Emerging Solutions for Employers
A fast-paced session featuring brief presentations highlighting innovative approaches and solutions designed to improve health outcomes, enhance the employee experience, and drive greater value in employer-sponsored healthcare.
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12:15 PM – Networking Lunch
Enjoy a hosted lunch while connecting with fellow employers, HR leaders, and industry experts for informal peer discussion and networking.
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1:15 PM – Closing the Gaps in Behavioral Healthcare Access
Explore innovative approaches to expanding access to high-quality behavioral healthcare—addressing barriers to timely care, connecting employees with the right level of support, and improving outcomes through more effective models of care.
Brett Shrewsbury, Chief Commercial Officer, Meru Health
David Kraus, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Outcome Referrals
Hannah Cockrum, Director of HR, PWT
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2:00 PM – Beyond Compliance: Modern Strategies for Leave and Absence Management
Explore strategies for navigating the growing complexity of leave and absence management, including evolving legislation, compliance, accommodations, employee experience, and the coordination of multiple leave and benefit programs.
Amber Burnap, Director, Absence Consulting, Brown & Brown
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2:45–3:00 PM – Wrap-Up

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